Unions support Fiji action day

Date: 02 August 2000

The ACTU has written to Fijian President H.E. Ratu Josefa Iloilo expressing its support for Fijians who are holding a National Day of Action today in support of a return to democracy.

The Fiji Congress of Trade Unions and organisations representing business, church and community bodies are have closed businesses, schools and other organisations for 24 hours.

"The ACTU was shocked over the events surrounding the attempted overthrow of the elected government of Fiji on May 19 and the subsequent effect those events have had on the Fijian people," said Ms Burrow.

"We believe that the 1997 non-racial constitution must be respected and that the Government elected by a majority of the Fijian people should continue in office for the remainder of its term.

"The proposed interim government is not representative of the multi-ethnic population of Fiji and it will not enjoy the support of the people nor will it secure international recognition."

In her letter, Ms Burrow appealed to Mr Iloilo to ensure that democracy and the rule of law was restored to Fiji as soon as possible within the framework of the 1997 Constitution.

Supporters of the National Day of Action include the Fiji-Australia Business Council, the Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Fiji Council of Social Services and the Fiji Women's Rights Movement.

ENDS

For further information

Contact:	ACTU - George Wright
Union:	ACTU
Phone:	0396635655
WWW:	http://www.actu.asn.au/

LaborNET is proudly created, designed and programmed
by Social Change Online for the Labor Council of NSW
[Credits] [Site Matters]