ILO mission says much work ahead for Fiji over labour relations
The head of an International Labour Organisation mission to Fiji says Fiji has much to do to meet its commitments under international labour conventions.
Transcript
The head of an International Labour Organisation mission to Fiji says Fiji has much to do to meet its commitments under international labour conventions.
The mission made a return visit to Fiji last week after it was ordered to leave two years ago following disagreement over the group's terms of reference.
The international judge leading the mission, Abdul Koroma, told Sally Round the talks this time around, involving the Fiji government, employers and unions, were held in a spirit of genuine respect and good faith.
Abdul Koroma who headed the International labour Organisation's direct mission to Fiji talking from The Hague.
ABDUL KOROMA: Complaints were submitted to the ILO office in Geneva and the Committee on Freedom of Association requested a direct mission be received by the government of Fiji regarding those allegations. There were allegations of intimidation of trade unions and there were also obstacles to the lawful exercise of trade union rights in practice and violation of the freedom of assembly and there were also allegations concerning the withdrawal of check-off facilities - contributions towards the trade unions.
SALLY ROUND: What did you find?
AK: We are yet to report to the governing body of the ILO and I don't think you would expect me to make any disclosure now until we have submitted our report in November.
SR: But generally can you make any comments at all?
AK: Well we had a successful meeting. I believe we can say that. We were able to meet with the government officials across the board and we met with the trade unions and employers organisations. In that sense we accomplished our mission to hold tripartite dialogue in a spirit of genuine respect and a spirit of good faith.
SR: Because two years ago there was a similar mission that was aborted because of various problems with the terms of reference of the group.
AK: That's correct.
SR: How did you find you were received by the new government?
AK: Well as I said, Fiji is going through a new dispensation. The direct mission came on more or less the same terms of reference that were there in 2012 when the mission had to be cancelled.
SR: While you were on your trip to Fiji the International Trades Union Congress said that the mission would find evidence of deepening authoritarianism in the country, despite the election. Have you got any comments to make on that at all?
AK: Well as you know, while we were there, you know there is a new constitution in place, while we were there in fact parliament had convened for the first time in a long time so no we did not experience what you would call a negative atmosphere as far as trade union activity is concerned. When we left on Saturday we were all able to assemble under one roof and the Minister of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, the various trade unions and the employers were all converged in one room. I think we had some very useful exchanges. We believe that rapid action needs to be taken to bring Fiji in line with its obligations and commitments under the ILO conventions of collective bargaining and freedom of association.
SR: And would that mean getting rid of certain decrees?
AK: That's correct.
SR: And that's what you will recommend?
AK: As I say I don't want to preempt (anything). I think we left the government in no doubt that those of the obligations which are not consistent with the obligations under the relevant conventions, Conventions 87 and 98 should be rescinded.
SR: So what is the chance now of an International Labour Organisation Commission of Inquiry in November?
AK: I think that would depend on the report we make and the progress that Fiji will make to put itself right on the relevant conventions 87 and 98.
SR: And you're hopeful you had a good reception by the government, that they'll be taking these concerns seriously?
AK: Yes I think I can say that. We all agreed that there is a need for a coherent national approach on a tripartite basis and the parties agree to review and reactivate Fiji's Decent Work Country Programme as soon as possible to cover the period 2015 and beyond.
SR: So very positive as far as you're concerned?
AK: As I said I don't want to preempt our report, our findings to the governing body. I cannot make that categorical assertion. The report will be presented to the governing body of the ILO which will meet in November.
SR: And after that there will be a decision if necessary.
AK: That's correct. Much depends on the government, the co-operation of the government, whether there would be or would not be a Commission of Inquiry.
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