
Issue No 65		04 August 2000

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Chaudhry, Burrow Discuss Strengthening Unions' Stand

By Dale Keeling

The ACTU is prepared to introduce tough trade bans and seek the imposition of economic sanctions against Fiji unless there is clear evidence of a move towards the restoration of constitutional rule.

Meeting in Sydney for the first time since the May 19 coup People's Coalition leader Mahendra Chaudhry and ACTU president Sharan Burrow discussed the stepping up of the international campaign aimed at restoring democracy in the island country.

Mr Chaudhry said after the meeting that he was very impressed with the response of the ACTU and trade unionists in Australia to the plight of his country and people.

"I wanted to thank Sharan and the ACTU for everything they did for us and the FTUC after the coup. It was tremendous. She has told me that the trade unions here are fully committed to re-applying tough sanctions if required by the FTUC.

"I have outlined my views to her concerning the interim administration's likely moves towards constitutional change. I expect it will be a re-run of 1987 where we ended up with a racially weighted constitution which will not comply with international norms on good governance.

"Every time that there is an election in Fiji and certain vested interests lose they change the rules. How many times will the international community put up with this? I believe that a clear message needs to be sent to Fiji."

Ms Burrows said that the planned three year lead time to proposed elections was far too long. "The international community needs to bring pressure to bear on the President and the Great Council of Chiefs to appoint a Government of National Unity under the 1997 Constitution.

"The ACTU is looking to sending a delegation to Fiji to support public action and to show that our support for trade unionists in Fiji is solid. I also think that Mr Downer should go to Fiji and see the President."

Ms Burrow said that the ACTU will urge the United Nations to make clear to the President the organisation's support for constitutional rule and to monitor the situation.

She also would like the UN High Commissioner for Refugees to take a greater interest in Fiji in the light of some 250 refugees currently located within the Girmit Centre at Lautoka, largely without assistance.

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Issue 65 contents

Interview: Hobart Perspective
Having held senior positions in both wings of the labour movement, Martin Ferguson went to Hobart with more perspective than most. He shares a bit of it with Workers Online.

Politics: Love-in In a Cold Climate
In our exclusive campaign diary we bring you the sights, sounds and smells of the ALP's Hobart conference.

Unions: Passion Plays
Canadian union campaigner Sharon Costello outlines how British Columbia nurses are using the arts to activate their membership base.

International: Spanish Telecom Builds Employee Portal
The prospect of on-line access for unions to company employees was outlined to Union Network International by the head of Spanish Telecommunications giant. Telefonica.

History: Husky Girls and the Female Psyche
When women entered the workforce during World War Two their male supervisors were given these simple tips to get the most out of them.

Satire: Communism Vindicated by Successful Collective Meeting
Tonight's meeting of the Marxism-Leninism Now Collective demonstrated the continuing relevance and ultimate success of communist principles, according to the Collective's Secretary, George Addison, 44.

Review: Following the Money
A new book looks at the role the bosses have played in the changing industrial relations framework.

» Chaudhry, Burrow Discuss Strengthening Unions' Stand

» Shopping Centres' 'Pay to Work' Plan

» Labor's IR Platform: Winding Back Reith

» Redback clerks buck casual trend

» No Joy in Ministerial Mind Slip

» Parlt House Cleaners' Fight Gets Dirty

» Rural Safety Lapses' Massive Cost

» 5000 Students Back the Hands that Feed Them

» Mobile Phones Health Warning

» Bank Staff Fight Fruitpicking Future

» No Science in CSIRO Sell-Down

» Hotel Workers Target Big Chains

» Wheels of Justice Slow as Reporters Walk

» Free Political Economy Classes for Activists

» APHEDA plans Asian and Middle Eastern tours

» The Soapbox

» Sport

» Trades Hall

» Tool Shed

» In defence of coffee

» Rail commuter warns pollies

» We want a bigger slice of pie

» Latham should watch the Footy Show

» Editor bagged

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