Fiji Action Day for Democracy

Date: 01 August 2000

Brussels July 31 2000 (ICFTU OnLine no.171/2000): The Fiji Trade Union Congress (FTUC) as well as many other civic groups in Fiji will hold a National Action Day to call for democracy and constitutional government, law and order on Wednesday, August 2. The FTUC is calling for international solidarity support from trade unions worldwide.

To mark the day ICFTU General Secretary Bill Jordan has written to President Ratu Josefa Iloilo of Fiji explaining that the ICFTU is offering its fullest support to the FTUC and the demands which will be expressed on August 2. He also calls on him to restore democracy within the framework of the 1997 Constitution. Because of continuing reports that more hostages are being taken by rebel forces, the ICFTU is urging the Fijian President to ensure that all hostages are released.

The appeal to all citizens to join in the national day for law and order, peace and democracy has been issued by a group representing all aspects of civil society. http://www.icftu.org/displaydocument.asp?Language=EN&Index=991210515

As well as the trade unions, the group includes such diverse organisations as the Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Fiji Employers' Federation, the Council of Churches Research Group, the Women's Rights Movement, and the National Council of Women, as well as the Citizen's Constitutional Forum.

The appeal points out what all Fijian citizens can do to support the day. Employers are asked to allow their employees time to participate in the day, community workers are asked to give support to those who have fallen victim to the violence, those in the military and the police are asked to work to restore law and order in the communities, workers are asked to stay at home and join their families and neighbours in prayers for law and order, peace and democracy, and students are asked to reflect on why law and order, peace and democracy are so important for the country.

The appeal reminds Fijian citizens that their participation in the National Day will express national condemnation of the coup which overthrew the democratically-elected government on May 19.

The ICFTU is calling on all its affiliates, as well as members of International Trade Secretariats and other interested unions to offer their support to the day, and to write to president Ratu Josefa Iloilo.

For further details please contact ICFTU Press Department on: ++322 224 0212

For further information

Contact:	Andrew Casey
Union:	Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union
Phone:	9281 9511
Fax:	92821 4480
Email:	Andrewc@lhmu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.lhmu.org.au

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