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’s remarks come in response to complaints from both current and former workers of a security firm in Suva.
Meli Tamani Tuidraki, a 45-year-old former security officer, lost his job on Monday after addressing his overdue wages with Rodney Nand, the director of Pioneer Security Services. Tuidraki expressed his frustration at still waiting for his salary, which he needs to support his family.
“I have six family members who rely on me,” Tuidraki said. “On Tuesday, I cooked the last meal I had, just rice and eggs, for my son to take to school. I told him that would be his last day going to school as I can’t afford his bus fare.”
This incident marks the second occasion that Tuidraki has not received his salary on time. He recounted his confrontation with Nand at a supermarket, where he sought answers about his pay. Tuidraki noted that since starting work at PSS in July of the previous year, no contributions have been made to his Fiji National Provident Fund. During the altercation, Nand reportedly slapped Tuidraki’s hat off, leading to a defensive reaction from Tuidraki. Nand then allegedly threatened to reduce Tuidraki’s pay and dismissed him on the spot.
Feeling desperate and emotional, Tuidraki approached the Ministry of Labour as well as the FNPF to file a grievance. He stated that there was little point in borrowing money and that he would have to search for food for his next meal. Nand was unavailable for comment, with no response to calls or messages seeking to address the situation.