Australian unions have condemned the Fiji military regime’s declaration of a draconian new decree as a blatant attack on workers’ rights. The Essential National Industries (Employment) Decree, declared on Friday, seeks to:
- Ban all strikes, slowdowns, sick actions or any action that may negatively impact the employer;
- Ban unions from representing workers in negotiating collective bargaining outcomes;
- Void all current collective agreements within 60 days;
- Provide that after 60 days any strike or lockout may take place only with the written authority of the Minister;
- Ban overtime payments, including for weekend work, work on days off, and work on public holidays unless agreed by the employer;
- Cancel all current Wages Council Orders regarding minimum terms and conditions of work in designated industries;
- Require that all members, office bearers, officers and executives of the union shall be employees of the designated company;
- Applies to all Government owned industries and any other that the Minister may designate.
