Companies that fail to pay their employees’ wages have faced legal action, according to Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations.
Singh’s remarks came in response to inquiries concerning complaints made by both former and current employees of a security firm based in Suva. One such case involves Meli Tamani Tuidraki, a 45-year-old former security officer, who lost his job after addressing his overdue salary with the director of Pioneer Security Services, Rodney Nand.
“All issues regarding unpaid salaries that have been brought to our attention have been directed to the courts,” stated Minister Singh.
During a visit to his family in Lami, Tuidraki expressed his frustration over the delay in receiving payment, which has made it difficult for him to support his family.
“I have six family members relying on me every day. On Tuesday, I made the last meal of rice and eggs for my son to take to school,” Tuidraki revealed. “I told him that Tuesday was the last day I could afford for him to go to school as I do not have money for his bus fare.”
This incident marks the second occasion that Tuidraki has experienced late payment of his salary. He recounted a confrontation with Mr. Nand at the New World Supermarket in Raiwaqa regarding his wages. Tuidraki noted that he had been employed by Pioneer Security Services since July of the previous year, but no deductions had been made to his Fiji National Provident Fund. The altercation escalated when Nand slapped Tuidraki’s hat off, leading to a defensive reaction from Tuidraki. Subsequently, he was threatened with a pay cut and terminated on the spot.
Feeling desperate and emotionally strained, Tuidraki filed a complaint with the Ministry of Labour and the FNPF. He expressed his reluctance to borrow money, stating he would have to search for food to feed his family. Attempts to reach Mr. Nand at his home were unsuccessful, as he did not answer phone calls or messages.