Union Official Investigated

A trade union official must be having sleepless nights. The officer’s office was this week raided by Police from the serious crime squad looking for information. Serious allegations have been linked to the officer who has not been seen publicly this week.

Other workers in the same office are scratching their heads.

The only sign that something may be amiss was when the Police called in. Keep reading Coconut Wireless for the next update.

Workers’ rights still intact

When mediation fails between worker and employer, where do you go to next?

Answer: Employment Relations Tribunal If they are not satisfied, they can go the appellant court, the Employment Relations Court. These are independent tribunals/court set up to adjudicate on grievances over employment issues.

Recently up to six judgments have come out, all in favour of workers.

Who said workers’ rights were non-existent?

The judgments show workers’ rights are alive and well.

Termination battle

Still on trade unions, one union employee, terminated for alleged breaches of employment conditions, challenged his dismissal. The case went to mediation where the mediator proposed the aggrieved person be paid $100,000 for lost earnings and be also reinstated.

But the union rejected it so the case is now going to the Employment Relations Tribunal.

Ratu Epeli still going strong

The former President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, has not lost his common touch.

Yesterday on Suva’s main streets, he stopped and chatted with ordinary people and cheered them up. They admired and adored his simplicity and humility. One person said: “He is a real chief.”

Ratu Epeli confirmed he was still the Ambassador for the HIV/AIDS awareness campaign.

He was asked: What’s the big issue for Fiji right now? He said: “COP23”.

It makes sense when we think about the wild weather patterns we are going through.

ν Coconut Wireless was compiled by Maraia Vula.