Union fact-finding mission to Fiji

Press, 20 July 1987, Page 8

Union fact-finding mission to Fiji

PA Wellington A joint New ZealandAustralia trade union factfinding mission is due in Fiji today to investigate the rights and freedoms of Fijian unionists under the Rabuka military junta. The investigation stems from a decision by the Federation of Labour and the Australian Council of Trade Unions late last week to lift, from today, their joint ban on handling cargo destined for Fiji. The decision to call off the ban was based on a combination of factors, including a request from the Fiji Trade Unions Congress, the agreement by the ousted Prime Minister, Dr Timoci Bavadra, to take part in constitutional talks, the planned resumption of sugar cane harvesting, and weaken-

ing support by both Australia and New Zealand waterside workers. However, doubts about the treatment of Fiji unionists under the emergency regulations prompted the move to send a mission to investigate the situation firsthand. The investigation team comprises the A.C.T.U. president, Mr Simon Crean; the Combined State Unions’ president, Mr Colin Hicks; and an F.O.L. executive member and Northern Distribution Workers’ Union secretary, Mr Mike Jackson. Before his departure last evening, Mr Hicks said the deputation would hold talks with Fiji congress officials; Dr Bavadra and some of his Ministers; Fiji’s GovernorGeneral, Ratu Sir Penaia Ganilau; and others in the community.

Mr Hicks said mission members would take the opportunity to question Ratu Penaia about the emergency regulations — and the restrictions these place on trade union' activities — and his contention that union rights were not being impaired in any way. “We will want to get some clarification of that but we will no doubt have an opportunity to speak to other people in the community, not least the unionists themselves,” he said. The deputation is exepected to leave Fiji at the end of the week. On their return, the unionists will report to their union affiliates. Mr Hicks said the situation in Fiji would have to change “considerably” before a reimposition of the two-month long ban was considered.