13 Nov 2006

Fiji's hospitality union hopes sackings can be avoided after tourism slump

7:06 pm on 13 November 2006

The Fiji National Union of Hospitality, Catering and Tourism Industry Employees, is to arrange a meeting with the country's hoteliers to help prevent a mass sacking of casual hotel workers.

The stand-off between the Fiji military and the government has led to mass holiday cancellations, which consequently forced hotels and resorts to lay off some casual and seasonal staff.

The general secretary of the union, Mikaele Mataka, says he does not know how many employees are affected, but he says will to try to negotiate a solution.

"I hope that I can talk with the employers if at least they can rotate the people, where at least they will have some money to take with them."

Mr Mataka says the stand-off between the military and the government must come to an immediate end.

The Fiji Visitor Bureau's Bill Gavoka, meanwhile, says he believes that the tourists will return soon.