Usamate Takes Action On Misbehaved Seasonal Workers
Seasonal workers that damage Fiji’s reputation will not be considered for future seasonal work employment opportunities for four years.
This was highlighted by the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Jone Usamate.
These are those under the New Zealand Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Work Scheme and the Australia Seasonal Worker Programme (SWP).
Mr Usamate received reports from the Government of New Zealand recently on the misconduct and disorderly behaviour of some Fijian seasonal workers.
He said that the reputation of Fijian workers is paramount. Therefore, a four-year suspension would be placed on the village or settlement of the offending worker as stated under the Foreign Seasonal Employment Policy of the Employment Ministry.
“Recent reports revealed that the issues raised by the NZ employers are alcohol related, failing to report to work, not showing respect, poor leadership, unhygienic living, high absenteeism and undue influence from the Fijian community in New Zealand,” Mr Usamate said. “These seasonal workers were employed with Provine, Bostok, Mr Apple, Teamwork and Apata in New Zealand.
“Thus, the following villages or settlements are now put on a four year suspension from participating in the seasonal work scheme: Tuatua of Tikina Mudu in Lomaiviti; Dogoru of Tikina Wailevu, Nubu Sasa of Tikina Nadogo, Vitina of Tikina Dogotuki, Lomaloma of Tikina Seaqaqa in Macuata; Makolei of Tikina Solevu, Nasolo of Tikina Nadi in Bua; Nakobo of Tikina Cakaudrove, Vatukaroa and Natuvu of Tikina Saqani in Cakaudrove; Davetalevu Matacula and Nakorovou of Tikina Namalata, Nadrano and Lawaki of Tikina Namena, Luvunavuaka and Natalaira of Tikina Dawasamu, Nabulini of Tikina Nailega, Namoka and Natuvatuvavatu and Nayavu of Tikina Nayavu, Naivicula of Tikina Naloto, Natuva of Tikina Taivugalei, Dakuinuku of Tikina Sawakasa in Tailevu; Nadala of Tikina Savatu in Ba; and Wauosi of Tikina Namataku in Navosa . The suspension is effective immediately.” Mr Usamate reiterated that the decision to suspend workers and their villages or settlements is not a sudden or new decision made by Government but has been clearly conveyed during the Ministry’s Tikina based recruitment and consultation nationwide. During the recent consultations held in the province of Rewa and Naitasiri, he emphasised on the need to select the right people who can build our reputation.
He said that teams which damage Fiji’s reputation would face the consequences, where the whole village would be affected.
The re-engagement of workers from the affected villages or settlements would be at the discretion of the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations.