Fiji: Trade union to stage nationwide strike, demonstrations May 3-4

Event

The Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) has called for a nationwide strike and associated demonstrations on Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4. The union will stage demonstrations in Suva on Friday and in Nadi on Saturday to denounce proposed reforms to the country's labor law and to call for an increase to the minimum wage. The Fiji Roads Authority (FRA) reportedly denied the union's request to stage protests citing heavy traffic and restrictions surrounding the ongoing Asian Development Bank forum.

A heightened security presence and localized transport disruptions are to be expected near any demonstration sites. Clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out. 

Context

The Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) is the largest federation of trade unions in the country, representing 35 affiliated unions and a wide cross-section of Fiji's workforce. The government arrested FTUC leader Felix Anthony on May 1 for alleged attempts to "derail" the May 1-5 Asian Development Bank forum in Fiji. 

Advice

Individuals in Fiji are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests as a precaution, anticipate a heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions, and refrain from discussing domestic political issues in public.