Union warns Govt relief measures hurt workers

“Fijian families are already struggling to put food on the table. Now they are being asked to sacrifice even more.”

This was the response from the Fiji Public Service Association (FPSA) following Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka’s announcement last night on Government relief measures, as fuel prices and the cost of basic goods continue to rise.

The FPSA said the current approach risked placing additional pressure on workers already struggling with the rising cost of living, pushing them further into hardship instead of easing the burden.

Association general secretary Judith Kotobalavu said while the Government’s efforts to manage the crisis were acknowledged, the reality for many families remained harsh.

“Workers are already under serious pressure from the rising cost of living. Any measure that reduces their income will only make things worse for families trying to survive,” she said.

She said many public servants depended on overtime pay to meet daily expenses, and cutting this support would come at the worst possible time.

The Government relief measures include:

• Overseas travel for civil servants stopped;
• Restricted use of government vehicles; and
• Cost-cutting measures across government operations.

However, the association warned that the combined impact of cyclone recovery and global tensions would continue to drive up prices, placing further strain on households.

“Workers must not be expected to absorb economic shocks without fair compensation and meaningful support,” Ms Kotobalavu said.

While Government leaders have taken a 20 per cent pay cut and reduced spending, the FPSA said broader measures must be fair and not fall heavily on low- and middle-income earners.

The union is calling on the Government to introduce targeted support, including stronger protection for workers’ incomes and action to control rising living costs.

“Recovery must be fair. If families continue to struggle, then the nation cannot truly recover,” Ms Kotobalavu said.