Companies that fail to pay their employees are facing legal action, according to Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations. Singh made this announcement in response to complaints from current and former employees of a security firm in Suva.
Meli Tamani Tuidraki, a 45-year-old former security officer, lost his job after confronting the director of Pioneer Security Services, Rodney Nand, about his unpaid wages. Tuidraki expressed frustration over the ongoing delays in receiving his salary, which has put a strain on his ability to support his family.
Tuidraki, who is responsible for six family members, shared that he had to prepare a minimal meal for them, stating, “On Tuesday I cooked the last pot of rice and eggs for my son to go to school. I told him Tuesday was the last time he would go to school as I do not have money for his bus fare.”
This incident marks the second time that Tuidraki’s salary has been delayed. He recounted that during a confrontation with Mr. Nand at a supermarket, he expressed his grievances about his pay. He noted that since starting with Pioneer Security Services in July of the previous year, no contributions had been made to his Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF). Following a heated exchange, Tuidraki reported that Nand physically slapped his hat off and subsequently fired him.
In his distress, Tuidraki sought assistance from the Ministry of Labour and the FNPF regarding his situation. He emphasized that borrowing money was not an option and indicated that he would have to find alternative means to feed his family. Attempts to contact Mr. Nand for comment were unsuccessful as he was unavailable at his home, and messages went unanswered.