This story was written by the ILO Newsroom For official ILO statements and speeches, please visit our “Statements and Speeches” section.

ILO Director-General’s expressed concern on trade union developments in Fiji

News | 08 August 2011

The ILO Director General, Juan Somavia expressed serious concern about developments in Fiji where recent days have seen the arrest and charging under Public Emergency Regulations of two trade union leaders for holding a meeting without a permit, and the gazetting of a decree concerning Essential National Industries (Employment) which trade unions say would make it impossible for them to function normally.

These developments come on top of long-standing ILO concerns about the exercise of trade union rights in Fiji.

In the light of the gravity of the situation, and the danger of further deterioration, Mr Somavia announced that he would be sending a high level delegation to Fiji to advise him on how the ILO could help contribute to a constructive consideration of relevant issues by all parties. The delegation will travel to Fiji early next week.