Felix Anthony, the national secretary of the Fiji Trades Union Congress, has expressed serious concerns about the exploitation of workers in various industries, particularly highlighting issues within supermarkets and security companies. He pointed out that many employees are subjected to excessive working hours, often receiving little to no compensation for their efforts.
Mr. Anthony provided specific examples from the supermarket sector, where workers, despite being labeled as “managers,” are frequently required to work 14 to 16-hour days, seven days a week, for salaries ranging between $15,000 and $20,000. He emphasized that this situation exemplifies exploitation, as these workers endure harsh conditions without receiving appropriate overtime pay.
Compounding the issue, workers who earn over a certain threshold, specifically those making more than $250 a week, are excluded from the coverage of the wages council. This exclusion means they are deprived of vital benefits such as overtime pay and meal allowances. Mr. Anthony noted how employers manipulate pay structures by only marginally increasing salaries, thus pushing workers out of wage council protections.
He reported disturbing practices where supermarket employees are told to clock out by 5 PM but are expected to continue working unofficially until closing time, circumventing overtime compensation. This behavior reflects a troubling aspect of labor practices in the sector.
In the security industry, Mr. Anthony detailed instances of workers being required to finance their own uniforms and safety gear without receiving overtime pay, facing fines of $25 for missed shifts. He remarked that these low-wage workers are further burdened by such conditions and called for urgent reforms.
The pressing need for stronger labor laws was emphasized, as Mr. Anthony stated, “We need laws to stop wage theft, and we need employers to respect the rights of their workers. These abuses must end.” He urged for actionable measures rather than just empty promises from those in power.
This situation underscores a significant challenge for employees in Fiji who are subjected to unjust labor practices. By bringing attention to these issues, advocates like Mr. Anthony hope to pave the way for much-needed reforms that will protect workers’ rights and promote fair treatment across all sectors.
As labor unions and advocates continue to fight for better conditions, there is hope that increased awareness will lead to meaningful change in how workers are treated in Fiji.
Leave a comment