Transcript
The ILO's Committee on application of labour standards met in Geneva last week to examine 24 countries including Fiji.
The hearing, scheduled for November was brought forward - in Fiji's case - due to serious allegations against the Bainimarama-led government.
The most recent - over 2000 workers at the Water Authority losing their jobs in May after their contracts were terminated by the company.
This also led to protests and the arrest of trade unionists and union members.
Fiji Trades Union Congress general secretary Felix Anthony, who was among those arrested, says while the FTUC welcomed the ILO ruling, frustration has been building at the government's continued lack of commitment.
"If there is no progress made, we would want a commission of inquiry into Fiji. Should that happen, the government's standing internationally will be seriously in trouble. And there would be other repercussions. We hope to bring as much pressure as we possibly can on this government to understand that it has certain international obligations."
Mr Anthony, who was at the Geneva hearing, warns the unions will not rest until the government honours its agreement with the workers of Fiji.
"If it does not act then we will go back to the ILO. It (Fiji govt) can't continue parading around the world saying all the right things, but doing quite the opposite when it gets back home. This hypocrisy has to stop."
Mr Anthony says the ball is in the government's court and it has to act now.
The ILO's decent work and standards specialist for the Pacific, Elena Gerasimova, hopes the Fijian government shows progress come November.
"So we will do our best to help tripartite partners to move forward. We will see what is the progress till November and depending on that if everything is done by November, this is perfect. If something is pending after November, we will provide the parties with technical support on pending issues."
Ms Gerosimova says the ILO will ensure progress is made by the Bainimarama-led government.
But Mr Anthony says this is not the first time Fiji has been put on notice by the ILO.
"There was a previous ruling where the government partially acted on its commitments. But once the pressure was off, the government decided to take a holiday. So now we've come back to where we were."
Mr Anthony says the government has been getting away with the way it has treated workers in Fiji. But it stops now, he adds.
"The government understands that if it does not act on this, we will escalate this. We will continue to demand our rights within the country, to protest, to show this government that the workers in this country are unhappy with its actions or inactions."
Mr Anthony says they want the government to address law reform and essential national industries issues; and provide the unions with an equal seat at the table.
"We're not going to beg for it, we will demand for it. That's our inherent right. The government's action or denial of our rights is an infringement on our human rights as well."
Employment Minister Parveen Kumar could not be reached for comment this week but during the ILO's centenary celebrations held in Suva in March, he told guests that "Fiji's labour and employment legislation complies with 38 ratified ILO conventions which assist government, workers and employers to continue social dialogue, report on practices and ensuring social justice and fair globalization".
"And the Fijian government contributes to the global international labour standards by meeting the ILO conventions, protocols and recommendations. We reaffirm ILO's global principles to grow and promote decent work for all by promoting social dialogue and employment creation."
The Fijian delegation at the Geneva hearing included representatives from the government, unions and employers.
This is Christine Rovoi.
