Companies that do not pay employee wages are facing legal action, according to Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations. This statement came as a response to inquiries regarding complaints from current and former workers of a security firm based in Suva.
One affected individual, 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 overdue salary. Tuidraki lamented that he was still waiting for payment, which impacts his ability to support his family.
Tuidraki explained that he has six family members relying on him, noting that he had to prepare the last meal for his son, as he lacked funds for bus fare to school. This situation marks the second occasion that his monthly salary has been delayed.
Tuidraki detailed an incident at a local supermarket where he confronted Nand about his pay. Despite being employed at Pioneer Security Services since July of the previous year, no contributions have been made to his Fiji National Provident Fund. He reported a physical altercation during the confrontation, where Nand allegedly assaulted him and subsequently fired him.
Feeling desperate, Tuidraki has filed complaints with the Ministry of Labour and the Fiji National Provident Fund. He mentioned that instead of borrowing money, he would have to find ways to secure food for his family. Nand was unavailable for comment, as he did not answer calls or messages.