An appeal has gone out for money and supplies to help hundreds of workers from Fiji's water utility who have lost their jobs.
Workers from the Fiji Water Authority stage a protest in Nadi. More than 30 people have been arrested by police in relation to the action and a planned protest this weekend. 1 May 2019 Photo: Fiji Trades Union Congress
Two thousand and seventy five employees of the Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) had their contracts terminated last week leading to protests and arrests of trade unionists and union members.
The opposition MP Lynda Tabuya said on Monday that close to 800 of the workers had filed grievance claims against the company for unlawful termination and for their collective agreement to be enforced.
"The workers are pursuing action, legal action that the WAF recognises the collective agreement and treats them as permanent workers which means - give them proper notice of termination but also a redundancy package that is fair on them so at least to carry them forward to their next job."
The aim of the appeal is to raise $US10,000 to help the workers buy food and stationery for their children who return to school this week, Ms Tabuya said.
"Not only have they faced hardship from being terminated unlawfully but also they aren't able to access their (Fiji National Provident Fund) superannuation to support their families," she said.
"What we are raising is a drop in the bucket but at least it will be a help for them in this time of uncertainty."
The WAF said the workers had been misled by unions about their contracts and that the workers were able to apply for jobs on a new round of projects.
The employment dispute is still before a tribunal which is expected to sit again on Wednesday in Suva.