Workers employed over a recent three-month period at an international resort on the Coral Coast have reportedly faced exploitation and mistreatment, triggering a labor dispute. This troubling situation was brought to light by Daniel Urai, general secretary of the National Union of Hospitality, Catering and Tourism Industries Employees (NUHCTIE), during consultations regarding the Employment Relations Amendment Act held in Nadi.
Although Urai chose not to disclose the name of the resort, he emphasized that workers at the hotel were subjected to excessive scrutiny by employers for minimal infractions which sometimes led to immediate termination. He described how these workers were hired without contracts, had no payslips after their employment period, and did not receive the necessary contributions to their Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF).
Urai noted that the issue surfaced after these workers became union members. Despite performing the same work as their colleagues, they were offered lower wages and denied sick leave. He highlighted the precarious nature of their employment, stating that their job security was compromised the moment they failed to meet the demands of their employers.
In a hopeful development, Urai expressed the union’s intention to bridge the gap between employers and employees to foster fair treatment within the hospitality industry. Recent reports have echoed similar concerns regarding the treatment of both local and migrant workers across various sectors. An official from the Ministry of Employment previously raised alarms about wage theft and unsafe working environments, urging employers to comply with labor laws to protect workers’ rights. This collaborative push for improved conditions may lead not only to better treatment for workers but also enhanced productivity across the workplace.
Calls for accountability among employers have intensified, as the government committed to regular inspections to ensure compliance and address labor standards violations. A commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue has been reiterated by officials, highlighting a positive direction towards creating a safer and more equitable work environment for all workers, ultimately benefiting the broader community.
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