A group of 14 taxi drivers in Suva paused their operations for three hours on August 27, 1994, to assess the approval status of new working conditions proposed by a new owner from the Principal Licensing Authority. An article from The Fiji Times reported that the new conditions suggested drivers pay a net income of $150 to Regent Taxis.
A representative explained that under these conditions, drivers would be designated as agents for Regent Taxis and would have to manage their tax payments and contributions to the Fiji National Provident Fund based on their earnings as taxi operators.
The proposed terms indicated that drivers would be self-employed in relation to the agreement and responsible for fuel expenses. Additionally, it was specified that drivers must demonstrate care while driving, with Regent Taxis covering the costs of maintenance, repairs, and parts replacements.
However, the conditions fell short of clarifying who would be liable for repair costs in the event of accidents. Furthermore, either the company or the driver could terminate the agreement with one week’s notice.
The spokesperson mentioned conversations with officials from the Ministry of Employment, who indicated that the conditions fell under various departments, and they would address the drivers’ concerns after gathering the necessary information. As of that date, the new conditions had not yet received approval and remained in the processing phase, leaving drivers under the previous terms of employment.