Companies that neglect to pay wages are facing legal action, according to Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations. Singh made this statement in response to inquiries regarding complaints from former and current employees of a security firm in Suva.
Meli Tamani Tuidraki, a 45-year-old former security officer, reported that he was terminated from his job after confronting the director of Pioneer Security Services, Rodney Nand, about his outstanding salary. “All unpaid salary issues that have been brought to our attention have been sent to the courts,” Singh stated.
While visiting family in Lami, Tuidraki expressed his frustration over the lack of payment, which has hindered his ability to provide for his family. “I have six family members depending on me. On Tuesday, I prepared the last of our rice and eggs for my son’s school lunch,” he shared. He added that he told his son that it might be the last day he could attend school due to the absence of money for bus fare.
This is the second instance in which Tuidraki’s monthly salary has been delayed. He recounted a confrontation with Nand at a supermarket where he sought answers regarding his payment. Tuidraki noted that he has been employed by Pioneer Security since July of the previous year, yet his contributions to the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) have not been deducted. During their exchange, Tuidraki alleged that Nand struck him first, leading to an altercation, after which he was threatened with pay cuts and dismissed immediately.
Feeling emotional and desperate, Tuidraki has filed grievances with the Ministry of Labour and the FNPF. He lamented the idea of borrowing money, stating that he would have to search for food for his family. Attempts to reach Nand at his home were unsuccessful, as he did not respond to calls or messages.