Companies that fail to pay their employees are facing legal action, according to Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations.
During a recent inquiry regarding complaints from past and present staff of a security firm in Suva, Singh confirmed that all reports of unpaid wages have been directed to the courts.
Meli Tamani Tuidraki, a 45-year-old former security officer, was dismissed from his position after confronting Pioneer Security Services’ director, Rodney Nand, about his delayed salary. Tuidraki, who has been employed by the company since July of last year, expressed his frustration about the situation.
“I have a family of six who rely on me,” Tuidraki stated. “I ran out of food and on Tuesday I cooked the last meal I had for my son before school. I told him that he might not be able to go again because I don’t have money for his bus fare.”
This incident marks the second instance of Tuidraki not receiving his monthly salary on time. He described an altercation with Nand at a local supermarket, where he confronted him about his pay. Tuidraki reported that Nand retaliated aggressively, leading to his immediate dismissal.
Feeling emotional and desperate, Tuidraki reached out to the Ministry of Labour and the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), as well as media outlets for assistance. With limited options for financial support, he indicated that his family would have to scramble to find their next meal.
Nand was not available at his residence for comments, and attempts to contact him via phone and messages went unanswered.