ATS workers on strike

Tukai Lagonilakeba, Nadi

I plead with Fiji Trades Union Congress general secretary Felix Anthony and Air Terminal Services Employees Trust secretary Viliame Finau to please start paying the ATS employees who are now officially on strike with effect of December 19.

This is a short-term solution if you genuinely care for them.

These workers have had deductions from their wages for the lifespan of their employment to maintain their Union reps’ lavish lifestyle and it is time they reciprocate and fulfil their humanitarian obligations to these striking members.

ATS will not pay the wages of any striking workers and in talking to those on strike many are worried as they have a home and land mortgages with banks, car loans and the maintenance of their families’ welfare together with their many other social obligations.

To all our dear relatives and friends from ATS, please go back to the story of what happened to the great strike at the Vatukoula Gold Mine in the late 1970s where the late Kavekini Navuso together with their many other Trade Union heavyweights of the time.

There were too many promises for the workers who went on strike I bet they are still regretting their irresponsible actions today. They’ve had absolutely nothing and had their employment terminated.

Another one, the Fiji Ports Workers Union strike that the late Taniela Veitata and Sakeasi Butaroka initiated in the mid 70s under the Fijian Nationalist Party banner. And our first PM Post-Independence Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara did very well to counter the illegal and politically-motivated strikes.

History can always repeat itself.

ATS Saga

Amenatave Yaconisau,  Delainavesi

I think the unions and striking workers at Air Terminal Services are on the path of bad faith bargaining if they don’t accept management’s offer of return to work.

We all know that managerial performance is based on contract and not determined by workers.

Similarly, the cost of living adjustment is determined by indicators like Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Since the strike is determined as illegal by the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Jone Usamate, he could easily apply to the courts to discontinue the strike according to Section 181 of the Constitution if it comes to show of muscles.

The illegal strike seems to be escalating with overseas support.  Airport services is essential and we cannot afford it go dysfunc Christmas Day workers

Tomasi Boginiso,  Nasinu

On Christmas Day I found out that I was missing some hot chillies for my crab in miti (coconut extract). So I decided to take a walk to the Laqere makeshift markets.

There were only about five stalls opened and after passing the first one and looking into the next one I noticed children at each stall. There were no adults or teens with them, just children.

I am under the impression that their parents must be enjoying a beautiful lunch at home while the children are in the market.

In the last stall I saw three more passing a roll of cigarettes.

I could not believe it. What is happening? You can’t be going to church and praising God and leaving the children on their own! tional. Hope for the best.

Supposedly ‘poor’ people

Shariff Shah,  Savusavu

I heard that some people who are supposedly ‘poor’ are living in informal settlements but actually drive executive vehicles and have executive homes. Is this true?  Are they paying taxes? If so, then we are making our own country and its people poor. What are we up to? And where are we heading to?

Elusive 7s gold

Savenaca Vakaliwaliwa,  Suva

I don’t know if the Fiji Airways Men’s 7s fans are supposed to lift their hopes high or close both ears from hearing the wishful dream from the 7s camp that they aim to win the elusive Commonwealth Games 7s gold in April next year (FS 26/12).

With all due respect to management, please stop jumping the gun.

Win one or two tournaments first before talking about winning the Commonwealth Games 7s gold medal.

Last time around Australia and New Zealand brought in some big and fast Super Rugby players in their bid to win the Commonwealth Games 7s gold medal.

Our boys are lean and smaller. They have the 7s magic, but their tackling is pathetic and players need to improve on their concentration and basics.

We, the 7s fans will know after the next two legs of the HSBC Sevens World Series whether our boys stand a good chance of winning the Commonwealth Games 7s gold.

Right now, let’s take it one game at a time and remind ourselves of the plans to win the Commonwealth Games 7s gold. That is, when we are about to cross that bridge.

Go Fiji go and may 2018 be your year!