Brew Staff On Leave, No Pay
Anumber of workers of Paradise Beverages are on leave without pay, the company said.
The workers exhausted all paid leave, Paradise Beverages said in response to queries from
SunBiz.
Fiji’s leading alcoholic beverages manufacturer said it pressed forward during the unprecedented times brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.
Suspension of services
“The Fiji Brewery and Rum Co of Fiji Distillery ceased operations for a few weeks which resulted in no production of some of its renowned brands, such as Fiji Bitter, Fiji Gold, Bounty Rum with Cola, Joskes Brew with Cola, the Tribe range and Bounty Rum.
“During this time, many employees went on leave and some exhausted their leave which resulted in leave without pay.”
Paradise Beverage said management decided to shift its focus to producing hand sanitisers to keep its workers employed.
Paradise Beverages has been in business for the past 63 years.
Shopping vouchers
General manager, Mike Spencer, said: “Our overriding priority is health, safety and wellbeing, and we’ve tried very hard to support our team in every way we can.
“In Fiji, we’ve provided a $300 shopping voucher to each employee on leave for five days or longer.
Food hampers
“In Samoa, we have handed out hampers containing food and essential items to those most in need.”
Mr Spencer said all employees received a 1.25L litre bottle of hand sanitiser, which was produced by company. “We’ve also made sure that our wellbeing platform and Employee Assistance Program have remained accessible for team members and their families wherever they are.”
“I would encourage companies to be as compassionate as they can at this time.”