19 Jul 2011

Fiji's Anthony welcomes support from overseas unions

3:34 pm on 19 July 2011

Fiji Trades Union Congress chief, Felix Anthony, has welcomed support from New Zealand and Australian unions over increasing threats to worker rights in Fiji.

Australia's Transport Workers Union has warned members would disrupt air travel to and from Fiji unless the regime stops what it terms violence and harassment of Fijian trade unionists.

New Zealand's Council of Trade Unions is also not ruling out bans or boycotts by maritime and airline workers but will start off with an awareness campaign of the situation in Fiji.

Mr Anthony says the support's encouraging.

"We will welcome any support that any affiliate of NZCTU would give the FTUC and the people of Fiji to ensure that trade union and human rights is respected in Fiji."

Felix Anthony and two other senior union officials are due to return to Fiji this week and the overseas unions say they are concerned for their safety.