By JYOTI PRATIBHA
The People’s Democratic Party is calling onto Government, the Fiji Sugar Corporation and Fiji Sugar and General Workers Union to resolve their issues regarding a potential strike.
Party spokesman Nirmal Singh said the Party was concerned about the stand-off between the parties involved.
“The People’s Democratic Party maintains the sugar industry is vital for Fiji’s economy and suggests that all the parties concerned negotiate and resolve the issue amicably,” he said.
Mr Singh said they are also urging the union, which is led by Felix Anthony, to consider the wider interest of the sugar industry and to pursue a negotiated settlement.
Fiji Sugar Corporation executive chairman, Abdul Khan, said he did not wish to comment on this matter.
Permanent Secretary for Sugar, Colonel ManasaVaniqi and unionist Felix Anthony could not be reached for comments.
Repeated calls made to them remained unanswered.
Mr Singh has also called onto Government to ensure that FSC engages with the Union and all parties put the national interest ahead of their own.
“Threats and counter threats will only undermine the industry further,” he said.
“We all have a responsibility to act in the interest of our people and all parties have a responsibility of creating an environment conducive for peaceful settlement of disputes and to enhance employer/employee relations.
“The People’s Democratic Party appeal to the stakeholders to enter into dialogue as the sugar industry is currently facing challenging times.
“It serves no purpose to debate in the media and we call on good sense of all parties.
“It is through dialogue and understanding that the stakeholders can come to an amicable solution to the satisfaction of all parties.”