Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama says his Government is ready to work with trade unions.

He extended the olive branch yesterday saying trade unions should put aside their differences and work towards a better Fiji.

“We should put the interests of Fiji and all Fijians first.”

Mr Bainimarama was commenting on the standoff  between the Government and Fiji Trades Union Congress over labour law reforms.

Mr Bainimarama was in Korotogo yesterday to open the Fiji Rugby Union workshop.

“As the head of the FijiFirst Government, we are ready to work with the unions,” he said.

He urged unions to come to the negotiation tables with an open mind with a desire to move the nation forward.

“As I have said in the past, this is the best time to be a Fijian as we have seen unprecedented levels of economic growth coupled with better opportunities for all Fijians,” he said.

“I have no qualms with the unions and I am ready to work with them but their representatives need to come with an open mind with an intention to move the country forward.”

“Currently we have union representatives who are using their union seats for their political gains.”

Mr Bainimarama said unions were critical for the nation but a few were using them for their political gain. He said these unionists were creating an atmosphere of conflict of interest.

“It should never come to that “conflict of interest” because we are dealing with people’s lives, breadwinners. Fiji needs people who are able to think outside the box and contribute positively towards nation building,” he said.

He added that union members also needed to have their voices heard so that “they have the right people leading them.”

He  said the reality in Fiji was that many trade unions were headed by leaders of political parties who were pushing their own political agenda through the various unions.

FTUC officials could not be reached to comment last night.

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj