Fiji Pine Group of Companies executive chairman, Faiz Khan (left), presenting a cheque of $2.4 million for loan repayment to the Prime Minister Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama in August this year.
By RACHNA LAL
The Pine Group of Companies yesterday paid out 500 of its hourly and fortnightly paid employees (up to supervisor level) 1.5 times their unused sick leave entitlements as bonus pay.
Executive chairman, Faiz Khan, said this was the first time for them to pay 1.5 times the amount.
The total bonus paid for unused sick leave entitlements was $278,000.
“The total annual sick leave entitlement we give is 15 days per worker,” he said.
“So those who did not miss any day of work this year because of sick leave got paid 22.5 days pay.
“On average, there are less than 22 working days in a month so those who did not miss work received more than one month’s pay as bonus.”
Mr Khan said in addition to the bonus pay, those that did not miss work this year, will also receive certificates of appreciation from the Pine Group of Companies.
The Pine Group of Companies includes Fiji Pine Limited, Tropik Wood Industries Limited, Fiji Forest Industries Limited and Tropik Wood Products Limited.
He said: “Very few have missed out on the bonus pay as they had used up all of their sick leave entitlements but we hope that next year everyone receives this bonus.”
Mr Khan said they have about 650 employees in total but manager position above does not qualify for this entitlement.
Why the initiative
Mr Khan said this bonus comes as an initiative taken by the company to encourage a healthy, fit, dedicated, committed and punctual work force.
“It is entirely an initiative by our companies directly to each and every worker. It does not come out of any union log of claims,” he said.
“We mention this point because after amalgamation of the Tropik Wood Employees and Allied Workers Union with the Fiji Sugar General Workers Union this year, it has become apparent the union executives are not working in the best interest of our workers.
“They are pushing their own personal and political agenda and ‘creating’ issues and instability.”
Understanding relationships
Mr Khan said it was important to understand that their companies’ relationship was directly with their workers.
“Therefore, we will continue to foster a stronger and wiser relationship with each and every one of them,” he said.
“This year, in celebration of our achievements in obtaining Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification, we are also throwing a Christmas party for all departments.”