2 Sep 2011

NZ unions protest against Fiji interim government

2:48 pm on 2 September 2011

The organiser of a protest against Fiji's interim government is urging New Zealanders to pressure the regime by refusing to holiday in Fiji.

About 60 people assembled outside the Fiji High Commission in Wellington this afternoon for the Council of Trade Union-sponsored protest.

It follows the interim government's introduction of the Essential National Industries Decree, which restricts union activity, and the banning of the Methodist Church's annual conference.

The council's president, Helen Kelly, says the protest was intended to let the interim government know its actions are being monitored and also to put pressure on New Zealanders.

"Who are continuing to holiday in Fiji and are being served now by hotel workers who have had all their rights removed, being transported there by transport workers who've had all their rights removed and people need to decide whether that's the sort of country they want to support when they visit."

Helen Kelly says protest action will continue during next week's Pacific Islands Forum meeting in Auckland and during Fiji's Rugby World Cup matches.