If the Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) wins the 2018 General Election it will immediately remove all contractual arrangements for public sector employees.

This is one of SODELPA’s policy initiatives under worker’s rights in its 2018 manifesto.

The party’s manifesto and campaign were launched at the Kshatriya Hall in Suva yesterday.

Party Leader Sitiveni Rabuka said there would be no contract and people would come into a career and they would stay until they wanted to get out or until they reached retiring age.

However, he said, if there were immediate needs then they might bring back some who were already retired or advertise contracts internationally, but “I am sure we have all the brain power we need in Fiji”.

“Jobs are guaranteed until lawfully discharged, dismissed or removed, so the truth is on the workers to remain efficient, effective and also abide by the laws and the rules.”

Speaking on SODELPA’s plan to institute a $4 minimum wage, Mr Rabuka said for small businesses they would have to negotiate with their employees.

“If they cannot afford the minimum wage, they will come back to the wages council and fight their case.

“We will put a minimum wage rate of $4, the employers will present their case to the council and the wage council will have to work out the pros and cons of reducing the workforce and paying them more or keeping more employees at a lower rate.

“We have to give incentives to employers.”

He added that at one stage they brought in incentives to employers. If they are seen creating many jobs they are given tax concessions.

“We did it before during the Soqosoqo ni Vakavulewa ni Taukei (SVT) government,” Mr Rabuka said

“We have our manifesto, unfortunately it will remain as a book unless we put spirit into it, we put sacrifice into it, we put life into it and we put our own time into making them work.”

He added that the SODELPA family and team of candidates were ready to lead the nation.

“We will do that through dedication and selfless service, as your party leader, I believe we can with God being our helper,” Mr Rabuka said.

Edited by Epineri Vula

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