Factory Lockout, Bailiff After Three Months Rent

A garment factory in Nabua was locked out by its land-lord yesterday.

The landlord Southern Motors Limited, authorised Suresh Prasad, a registered bailiff, to lockout Millennium Apparel Limited in Jerusalem Road, Nabua, due to alleged distress of rent.

Mr Prasad said that Millennium Apparel owed rent for the past three months from February to April 2019 with a total sum of $19,869.70 including $1,500 for solicitors and bailiffs cost.

He also confirmed that unless the rent was paid in full, the factory would not be open for business.

The Fiji Sun was also informed by some workers that the company had not been paying them their wages on time.

About pay

Meanwhile, some workers received their pay yesterday, and some went home either, partially paid or not paid at all, workers said.

More than five top management workers did not receive their pay as well.

Workers expressed their frustrations to the Fiji Sun saying that they have been unfairly treated.

“We still waiting for our sick leave pay and annual leave pay since 2017,” a worker, who wished not to be named said.

“They said I will get my pay next week,” another worker said.

Yashmin Lata, who was said to be their supervisor, confirmed that they have sought the pay issues and denied the claims by their workers who said they were partially paid.

“Everyone has been paid in full,”

she said.However, she confirmed that a few of them, including her, did not get their pay, which would be sorted out next week.

Millennium Apparel Limited is owned by Manhar Hari and it employs more than 50 staff.

Mr Hari is overseas, staff said.

Police and Ministry for Labour staff were at the scene.

However, the Labour ministry was yet to confirm the case before this edition went to press.

Feedback: selita.bolanavanua@fijisun. com.fj