A group of 14 taxi drivers in Suva halted their services for three hours on Monday, August 27, 1994, to confirm the approval of new working conditions by the Principal Licensing Authority under a new owner.
As reported by The Fiji Times, a proposed condition required drivers to contribute a net income of $150 to Regent Taxis. A representative mentioned that the drivers would essentially become agents for Regent Taxis, taking on the responsibility for paying their taxes and Fiji National Provident Fund contributions from their earnings.
The proposed agreement stipulated that drivers would be classified as self-employed and would need to cover the costs for fuel. Moreover, it emphasized that drivers must maintain due diligence while operating their taxis, while Regent Taxis would be accountable for maintenance, repairs, and parts replacement.
However, the agreement did not clarify who would be responsible for repair costs in the event of an accident. Either party, the company or the driver, could terminate the contract with a week’s notice.
Following discussions with officials from the Ministry of Employment, drivers learned that the conditions involved various departments, and responses to their inquiries would be provided once the relevant information was gathered.
As the new conditions had yet to be approved and finalized, drivers remained under the previous terms of employment.