Companies that neglect to pay their employees are facing legal action, according to Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations. This announcement followed inquiries regarding complaints from current and former workers of a security firm based in Suva.
Meli Tamani Tuidraki, a 45-year-old former security officer, recently lost his job after confronting Rodney Nand, the director of Pioneer Security Services, about his unpaid wages. Mr. Singh confirmed that all issues regarding overdue salaries have been escalated to the courts.
Speaking from his family home in Lami, Mr. Tuidraki expressed his frustration over the delay in receiving his salary, which he needs to support his family. He highlighted the urgency of his situation, stating that he had run out of basic groceries and could not afford his son’s bus fare to school.
This marks the second instance where Mr. Tuidraki experienced delays in his monthly payments. He described the confrontation with Mr. Nand at New World Supermarket, where after addressing his concerns about unpaid wages and lack of contributions to his Fiji National Provident Fund, the situation escalated into a physical altercation. Mr. Nand allegedly struck him, leading to his immediate dismissal.
Amid growing despair, Mr. Tuidraki has formally lodged complaints with the Ministry of Labour and the FNPF. He reflected on the difficulties of borrowing money and expressed the need to find alternative means for his family’s next meal. Efforts to reach Mr. Nand for comment were unsuccessful, as he was not at home and did not respond to calls or messages.