Companies that do not fulfill their wage obligations are facing legal action, according to Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations. Singh addressed concerns raised by both current and former employees of a security firm in Suva during a recent inquiry.
Meli Tamani Tuidraki, a 45-year-old former security officer, reported losing his job after he confronted the director of Pioneer Security Services, Rodney Nand, regarding his unpaid wages. “All issues related to unpaid salaries have been sent to the courts,” Minister Singh announced.
While visiting his family in Lami, Tuidraki expressed frustration over the ongoing wait for payment, which is essential for supporting his family. “I have six family members relying on me every day. On Tuesday, I prepared the last meal of rice and eggs for my son to take to school,” Tuidraki shared. He added, “I told him that Tuesday would be his last school day as I simply can’t afford his bus fare.”
This incident marks the second occasion that Tuidraki has not received his salary on time. He recounted the confrontation with Nand at a supermarket, wherein he emphasized that despite working for PSS since July of the previous year, no contributions had been made to his Fiji National Provident Fund. The situation escalated when Nand physically attacked him, after which he was fired.
Feeling desperate and emotional, Tuidraki sought assistance from the Ministry of Labour and the FNPF. He voiced his reluctance to borrow money but acknowledged that he would need to search for whatever food he could find for his family. Meanwhile, attempts to reach Nand for comment went unanswered as he was reported absent from his home.