“The regime’s eradication of fundamental worker’s rights, at the stroke of a pen, is designed to entrench its position of absolute power. It is targeting union representatives with prosecution for simply meeting with their members, and refusing to listen to appeals from the ILO and the international community to respect fundamental human rights,” said ITUC General Secretary Sharan Burrow.

On September 9, the authorities announced the implementation of the “Essential National Industries & Designated Corporations Regulations”, which severely curtails workers’ rights in the finance, telecoms, civil aviation and public utilities sectors and allows the regime to include any other industries as and when it wishes.

“The authorities are proceeding with a further militarisation of the economy and society, which is all the more unacceptable given Fiji’s prominent role in UN peacekeeping. We call on the international community to stand with us to defend the rights of ordinary Fijians, and help protect civil society from complete suppression,” said Burrow.

To see the ILO Director General’s statement

To join the Labourstart campaign on Fiji