Companies that fail to pay their employees’ wages are facing legal action, according to Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh. The minister made this statement in response to complaints made by former and current employees of a security firm in Suva.
Meli Tamani Tuidraki, 45, a former security officer, lost his job after confronting the director of Pioneer Security Services, Rodney Nand, about his unpaid salary. “All issues concerning unpaid salaries have been referred to the courts,” said Mr. Singh.
During a visit to his family home in Lami, Mr. Tuidraki expressed frustration over the delay in receiving his payment, which he needs to support his family. “I have six family members who rely on me every day. I cooked the last pot of rice and eggs for my son to take to school on Tuesday,” he recounted. “I told him that Tuesday was the last day he would go to school since I have no money for his bus fare.”
This incident marks the second instance where Mr. Tuidraki has not received his salary on time. He detailed his confrontation with Mr. Nand at a supermarket, where he demanded the payment he was owed. Tuidraki has been employed with Pioneer Security Services since July of the previous year, yet no contributions have been made to his Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF). After Mr. Nand allegedly slapped his hat off, Tuidraki felt compelled to defend himself, leading to his immediate dismissal.
In desperation, Mr. Tuidraki has filed complaints with the Ministry of Labour and the FNPF. He expressed that borrowing money is pointless and that his family must find ways to scavenge for their next meal. Attempts to reach Mr. Nand for comment were unsuccessful, as he was not available at his home and did not respond to calls or messages.