Be Pro Fiji
Analysis:
The 52nd Asian Development Bank’s annual governors’ meet will be a success whether the unions and unionists like it or not.
We are a week away from hosting the biggest international meeting and we will have the world’s eyes on Fiji. This is the time for everyone to rally behind the local secretariat and make this a success.
Unfortunately, Fiji Trades Union Congress and their affiliates want to use this as an opportunity to do something which is against the very core of being good hosts. They want to hold their national strike on May 3, which will be the day when one of the most important events of the ADB meet will be held – the Board of Governors meeting followed by the Host Country reception.
More than 3000 people will be participating in these events and the unions want their members to stay away from work, whether they get the permit to go on strike or not. And there are already talks for people to use Family Care Leave and Sick Leave benefits to give their strike a chance.
This is where every Fijian has to stop and think. Is this what we want to be known for? Fiji has always opened their arms to visitors. This meeting will open the doors to other international conferences and we need to be pro-Fiji to make it a success.
Why did Unions choose this day for their national strike? They want to hold this over the heads of employers as a bargaining chip. This goes against the ethos of negotiating in good faith and this is really a time for some unionists to show that they are still relevant.
They want to target the hotels, to get their members to stay away from work. This can very well backfire. The hotels have no doubt made back up arrangements to ensure everything works out smoothly.
No one is asking the unions not to protest. But to do it to embarrass Fiji on the world stage is being purely anti-Fiji. Fiji can become the way the world should be.
Even with the threat of a national strike, this event will be a resounding success. Unionists need to realise this and not put their members in an awkward position.
Feedback: jyotip@fijisun.com.fj
