FIJI: Regime plans crackdown on unions

Issue 

Fiji's military-backed interim administration plans to impose draconian new laws to counter the Fiji trade union movement's appeals for international solidarity for the democracy struggle. The regime, placed in power by the military during the coup by George Speight in May, claims the laws will ban the "sabotage" of the economy by the call for trade sanctions, according to Fiji's October 1 Sunday Times.

The new decree is similar to the Public Emergency Regulations which came into force after the 1987 military coups. It would target people who "disrupt the peace or sabotage the economy", the paper reported. Attorney-general Alipate Qetaki said the legislation was for the "protection of Fiji and its people".

It is understood that the legislation will apply to individuals and organisations in an attempt to curtail imposition of "smart" sanctions or calls for democracy.

Fiji Trade Union Congress general secretary Felix Anthony told the Sunday Times that any moves to block fundamental rights would be opposed.

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