Minister looks into overdue security officer salary

Companies that fail to pay wages have been sent to court, says Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh.

Minister Agni Deo Singh responded to questions related to complaints lodged by former and current employees of a Suva security company yesterday.

Meli Tamani Tuidraki, 45, a former security officer, lost his job on Monday after he confronted Pioneer Security Sevices director, Rodney Nand for his overdue salary.

“All unpaid salary issues raised with us have been referred to the courts,” Mr Singh said.

While visiting his family home in Lami, Mr Tuidraki expressed disappointment that he was still waiting for the security company to pay him so he could provide for his family.

“I have six people in the family who depend on me every day. On Tuesday, I cooked the last pot of rice and eggs for my son to go to school,” Mr Tuidraki said.

“I told him Tuesday was the last time he was going to go to school, as I do not have money for his bus fare to go to school.”
This is the second time Mr Tuidraki’s monthly salary has not been paid on time.

“On Monday, I confronted Mr Nand at the New World Supermarket at the Damodar City complex in Raiwaqa about my pay,” he said.
“I have been working for PSS since July last year, yet no deductions have been made to my Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF). He (Mr Nand) took the first swing at me, slapping my hat from my head, and I retaliated in defence. He threatened to cut my pay and fired me on the spot.”

Emotional and desperate, Mr Tuidraki lodged his grievance with the Ministry of Labour, FNPF and this masthead.

Mr Tuidraki said there was no point borrowing money, but they would have to scavenge for what they could for their next meal. Mr Nand was not at his residence yesterday; calls and messages sent to him were unanswered.

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