Fiji PM accuses politicians and unionists of negative influence

Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama says cheap politicians and trade unionists are influencing striking Air Terminal Service workers to remain off work.

More than 200 staff have been off work since December the 16th, they were locked out for attending a meeting.

ATS said the gathering amounted to illegal strike action.

This week the company announced about 150 people were expected to temporarily fill vacant positions by the industrial dispute.

The company provides baggage, catering and engineering services at Nadi airport.

Earlier the government had said informal mediation efforts had failed and called on workers to return.

The Fiji Village website reports Mr Bainimarama as saying the government focuses on building Fiji based on teamwork however unions and politicians are deliberately disrupting that process.

He said the law was clear on industrial disputes and the employees led by the union did not follow the process when they walked off the job.

He had called on all Fijians to think carefully for themselves.