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Article

15 Sep 2011

Author:
Amnesty Intl.

Fiji government must repeal decree and return workers’ rights

Amnesty International is calling on the government of Fiji to repeal a decree that drastically restricts workers’ rights by virtually outlawing trade union activities. 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…and voids existing collective agreements for workers in key sectors of the economy including sugar, aviation and tourism…[T]he 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.