Decent Work 2013
Today October 7 marks a historical day in trade union and workers calendar as it is
dedicated as Decent Work Day,
Decent work sums up the aspirations of people in their working lives. It involves
opportunities for work that is productive and delivers a fair income, security in the
workplace and social protection for families, better prospects for personal
development and social integration, freedom for people to express their concerns,
organize and participate in the decisions that affect their lives and equality of
opportunity and treatment for all women and men.
In remembering the struggles of all the workers to date, FLGOA and FTUC Youth
Wing has come together to commemorate the day with celebration.
Labour is not a commodity but a human capital of an organisation and as such they
are to be recognised, respected and rewarded and more so treated with dignity.
The main features of Decent Work examines:
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Freedom of Association and Rights to Collective Bargaining
Elimination of Poverty
Health an Safety at Work
Decent Compensation for industrial accidents and diseases
Protection of vulnerable workers-Children, Women and intellectually disabled.
Minimum and Just wage
Training and development
Recognition and reward
Work choices
Good Management system
The ERP2007 also encompasses some Decent Work features such as:
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Equal Opportunity
Fundamental rights at work
Minimum labour standards
Mechanism to settle grievances and disputes
Non discrimination practices
Health and safety issues
Fiji Local Government Officers Association (FLGOA) since its establishment in 1969
has pursued with challenges and struggles to ensure that workers rights are
protected and fair labour practices are adhered by the municipalities around the
country.
Municipal councils have been providing terms and conditions as per the provisions of
Collective Agreement and ERP 2007 but there is negotiation where staff are left out
when they are casual or on contracts-there is no common element that binds or
protects them.
With the change in Council Administration, the Association has maintained the
cordial and harmonious relationship and the issues tested the unity, structural
strength, determination, competence and purposeful commitment to safeguard the
hard earn rights and interests of the members.
The Association progressed from strength to strength and overcame hurdles and
obstacles. What gains that have been registered had been from the driving force
emanating from the members and through the guidance of union leaders who have
played a vital role and it is acknowledged in the affairs of the Association to endow
with the stature it enjoys presently.
It negotiated in good faith with the Municipal Councils in reaching decision that has
benefitted both parties. The dignity of labour and protection of workers rights workers
rights was achieved through continuous Collective Bargaining and representation at
all levels. Equal opportunities and gender balance within the union was highly
promoted.
The Association is mindful of the provisions of ERP 2007 and will act within the
legislative bounds in settling any outstanding issues irrespective of the deliberate
breach by some municipalities. Justice delayed is not justice denied.
I call upon all the employers to respect the workers and afford them just and fair
wages, better employment opportunities, safe working conditions, social protection
and social security and exercising fair labour practices through dialogue.
The primary goal all tripartite partners (Employer, Workers and Government) are to
promote equal opportunities for men and women to obtain decent and productive
work, in conditions of freedom, equality, security and human dignity.
I salute all the workers and employers for their contribution and efforts in achieving
decent work, where workers had been given recognition, is respected and rewarded.
Rouhit Karan Singh
PRESIDENT
Fiji Local Government Officers Association
Mobile:(679)9246534
rouhit2003@yahoo.com