Rabuka hits at unions

Press, 9 October 1987, Page 4

Rabuka hits at unions

NZPA-AAP Suva Fiji’s military Government yesterday closed the offices of the Trades Union Congress and the country’s public service union, posting armed soldiers at both premises. The Fiji Trades Union Congress national president, Jale Toki, said no explanation had been given for the closing, although he had been told it would last a week. He had been trying to reach Colonel Sitiveni Rabuka for an explanation. At a press conference on Wednesday, Colonel Rabuka said trade unions could function if they did not cause “disruptions.” “Trade unions will be allowed to exist provided they show greater responsibility towards nation-building,” he said. He said the Singapore model of trade unionism was “worth emulating” and that "this transformation is the prerequisite for a cordial relationship with trade unions.” Mr Toki said he was aware of the colonel’s statement. Singapore trade unions were Gov-ernment-controlled and had their heads appointed by the Government. "If that’s what he wants he must first approach us,” Mr Toki said. "If

democracy is alive then we’ll have to have a talk.” But he said it was unclear what the new regime wanted from trade unions. The headquarters of the Fiji Public Service Association also are under guard. The union’s national secretary is Mahendra Chaudhry, Finance Minister in the ousted Bavadra Government. Mr Chaudhry could not be reached for comment. He was believed to be out of the capital consulting with Dr Bavadra. The National Factory and Commercial Workers’ Union secretary, James Raman, who is also secre-tary-general of the F.T.U.C., said his own union was also closed briefly yesterday morning. However, the Army allowed it to reopen after about 30 minutes. No explanation was given, he said. Mr Toki said a meeting of F.T.U.C. leaders on Wednesday had scheduled an executive meeting for October 17 to decide what course of action the unions should take, but after the colonel’s statement and yesterday’s closings “I don’t know what will happen about that”