PA-NFP Coalition Promise Freedom to Protest, Biman Prasad Claims
The People’s Alliance (PA) and National Federation Party (NFP) coalition will allow workers to strike and legislate the right to assembly, free speech and protest,
That is if they are voted into government after the General Election on December 14.
Currently workers have to apply for a permit to the Fiji Police Force in order to hold a strike and protest. NFP leader Biman Prasad
said authorities have denied numerous times the Fiji Trades Union Congress request to have a peaceful march in Suva. Mr Prasad said the workers of this country have suffered for too long.
“What we have seen over the past eight years that I have been in Parliament and the Trade Union movement in this country knows that we have tried many times,” Mr Prasad said.
“Every time we have stood up in Parliament, the Trade Union leaders have been attacked inside Parliament by everyone.
“They can’t talk about the economy, because it’s in ruins.
“They can’t talk about poverty. They can’t talk about the destruction of the sugar industry.”
While highlighting some of the policies the two parties would put in place if they were voted into government, he said they would aim to have an annual minimum wage rate review.
“We will also remove contract employment within the civil service and increase the retirement age from 55 to 60,” he said.
“Also, we will empower tribunals and courts to settle all disputes. We will facilitate and host annual workers, employers and Government summits.
“Implement and adhere to genuine discussions. Put a stop on the exploitation of workers by publicly funded contractors.
“There are many publicly funded contractors who are abusing and refusing to negotiate workers’ terms and conditions, including their salaries.”