Union density is declining, says Urai

UNION density in the Pacific is declining, says Fiji Trade Union Congress national president Daniel Urai.

He said as a result, ongoing training of organisers and trade unionists was important to encourage workers to join unions.

Mr Urai said training such as the International Trade Unions Asia Pacific regional academy was an avenue for organisers to learn more about mobilising workers.

“We have been contemplating on this for quite some time and it’s important for the Pacific region particularly in the view of the global or regional union density,” he said.

“Not only in Fiji but all around the Pacific and the work it’s declining. So we are embarking on these programs to improve the organising of workers to becoming union members.”

He said another challenge faced by unionists was funding.

“Funds are one of the challenges that we continue to face.

“It’s something that we are hoping to address with more campaigns and maybe more awareness on how important a union is for the average worker.

“And we also have laws that affect us.

“For example, in Fiji while it is not being said, there are employers who really use actions that really discourage workers from joining unions.

“Some employers will directly tell workers not to join, that it is a useless exercise. There are workers who discourage them to be part of an organised group.

“So these are some challenges that we hope we can discuss and see how things are done in other countries and how we can entice workers to join the union because this is the only way they can improve their working conditions.

“Nobody will do it for them. Not the employers and not this Government.”