Amnesty International is calling on the government of Fiji to repeal a decree that drastically restricts workers’ rights by virtually outlawing trade union activities.

 http://www.amnesty.org.nz/news/fiji-government-must-repeal-decree-and-return-workers%E2%80%99-rights The “Essential National Industries (Employment) Decree” was enacted on 9 September despite repeated calls and warnings that the decree violates international labour law and Fiji’s human rights obligations. The decree takes away nearly all collective bargaining rights, severely curtails the right to strike, bans overtime payments and voids existing collective agreements for workers in key sectors of the economy including sugar, aviation and tourism. While the government of Fiji claims that the measure is needed to ensure the development, viability and sustainability of industries that are essential to the economy, Amnesty International maintains that the best way to achieve these goals is to respect the fundamental human rights and dignity of those whose labour underpins these enterprises. Advice www.amnesty.org.nz