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TUC urges Fiji to respect trade union rights

Issue date
Solidarity with Fijian trade unions

Letter to High Commissioner

May 2011

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber has written to Fiji's High Commissioner as part of a worldwide trade union campaign to urge greater respect for trade union rights in Fiji.

The letter follows:

HE Mr Pio Bosco Tikoisuva
High Commissioner
Fiji

34 Hyde Park Gate
London SW7 5DN

Dear High Commissioner

Trade union rights in Fiji

As an affiliate of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), which represents more than 175 million workers through its 305 affiliates in 151 countries and territories, the TUC - which represents people at work in Britain through our affiliated trade unions' 6.1 million members - is very concerned about the lack of respect for trade union rights in Fiji.

I would be grateful if you could convey our concerns to the Government of Fiji, and urge them to respect trade union rights.

The TUC has very strong links with our counterpart in Fiji, the Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC), and we are very concerned about the serious breaches of human rights taking place there, including the intimidation of trade unionists and interference in trade union affairs. We are aware of instances of harassment and violence used against the leaders of the trade unions, including the FTUC and its General Secretary in February.

As a member of the International Labour Organisation, and a signatory to the conventions on freedom of association and the right to collectively bargain (Convention 87 and 98), your government is bound by its commitments to respect the freedom of unions to carry out their responsibilities on behalf of their members. We call on your government to respect and protect the rights of trade union officials and union members.

We are aware that provisions remain in place that severely restrict trade union freedoms, including freedom of assembly, requiring permits to conduct union meetings and other activities and that give government authorities the power to override industrial processes unilaterally. The intimidation of workers and trade union leaders by military personnel is a serious and ongoing concern that requires your government's immediate redress.

The TUC urges your government to ensure trade union activities can be undertaken in freedom and that the fundamental rights that underpin their capacity to represent their members are fully realised. We call on your government to ensure the safety of trade unionists and ensure the end of the intimidation and harassment of trade unionists.

Yours sincerely

BRENDAN BARBER

General Secretary

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