‘Manifesto about change’

FLP will restore permanent employment in civil service

THE Fiji Labour Party (FLP) will restore permanent employment in the civil service and the retirement age to 60 if elected into power.

FLP leader Mahendra Chaudhry said their manifesto, which was launched yesterday, was about change.

“This is a manifesto about changing the everyday lives of our citizens,” Mr Chaudhry said.

“In our manifesto we restore the workers’ right removed by the FijiFirst Government.

“Not only that, we aim to improve on them and grant them justice.

“Labour will establish the tripartite machinery by statute to ensure a consultative approach to labour relations.

“As a member state of the ILO, our policies and practices must align with the key conventions and instruments of that organisation. That’s not happening.

“We will review current pay structure and service conditions, de-politicise the service and replace expatriates with locals, provide for appeal rights on promotions, transfers and disciplinary penalties; and restore retirement age to 60.

“Minimum wage will be reviewed to take account of the cost of living.

“It must provide access to the basic needs of the employee and nothing less.

“Regular reviews will keep it in line with the cost of living.”

Mr Chaudhry said FLP manifesto provided equal opportunities for all.

“We want to lift marginalised groups up and provide a level playing field.

“This is a manifesto that allows people to work hard, earn what they deserve and get ahead.

“It isn’t about hand-outs. “Labour isn’t about giving freebies to attract votes; Labour isn’t about throwing taxpayers’ money at problems hoping they will go away.

“People must work hard, not for the economy, not for Fiji … but for themselves.”