The Fiji Trade Union Congress (FTUC) has termed the Government’s move to assist businesses as outrageous. The union says terminated employees were not prioritised.

The statement released by the FTUC national secretary Felix Anthony comes as Parliament successfully passed the Amended Employment Relations Bill 2020 on Thursday.

Mr Anthony said the loss of jobs at Fiji Airways and many others were causing great hardships to thousands of families around the country. He also highlighted that while many may have ongoing financial commitments for housing, rents, motor vehicles, hire purchases, utility bills and everyday food bills this comes as a surprise to many.

“We understand the current pandemic crisis affects all business; however, it does not appear to be a similar understanding of the worker’s plight.”

FTUC has also criticised governments clarity on the term ‘Act of God’ where pandemic can be classified as an ‘Act of God’ as reprehensible.

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