Companies that do not meet their wage obligations are facing legal action, according to Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh. The minister’s comments came in response to inquiries regarding complaints from current and former employees of a security firm based in Suva.
Among those affected is 45-year-old Meli Tamani Tuidraki, a former security officer who lost his job after addressing overdue salary issues with the director of Pioneer Security Services, Rodney Nand. Singh stated, “All allegations of unpaid salaries that have been brought to our attention are being forwarded to the courts.”
While visiting his family in Lami, Tuidraki expressed his frustration over the ongoing delay in receiving payment, which he desperately needs to support his family. “I have six family members who depend on me. On Tuesday, I had to make the last pot of rice and eggs for my son’s school lunch,” he shared. Tuidraki indicated that he may not be able to afford bus fare for his son to get to school again.
This marks the second time that Tuidraki has experienced significant delays in receiving his monthly salary. He recounted a confrontation with Nand at a supermarket, where he sought answers regarding his pay. Despite having worked for Pioneer Security Services since July of the previous year, Tuidraki noted that no contributions had been made to his Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF). He described a tense exchange during which Nand physically assaulted him, leading to his immediate termination.
Feeling desperate and emotional, Tuidraki lodged formal complaints with the Ministry of Labour and the FNPF. He lamented the difficulty of borrowing money, stating that he would need to find alternative means to ensure his family has enough to eat. Attempts to reach Nand for comment were unsuccessful, as he was not at home and did not respond to calls or messages.