Intervention on Fiji trade ban inappropriate
"It would be inappropriate for the Attorney-General to intervene to stop union or employer trade sanctions against Fiji," says Labour Minister and Attorney-General Margaret Wilson.
"While it is technically possible for the
Attorney-General to seek an injunction in the public
interest to prevent the CTU ban, the reality is that the
courts are reluctant to grant injunctions on matters that
are better resolved politically.
"The courts would
also expect those employers who have suffered specific,
quantifiable damage to pursue their private remedy, rather
than rely on the Attorney-General to bring an action on
their behalf.
"Since the Labour Relations Act 1987, it
has been the policy that Governments do not readily
intervene in industrial disputes. This policy was reflected
in the Employment Contract Act and has been carried through
into the Employment Relations Bill.
"It would
therefore be inappropriate for the Attorney-General to
intervene in this case," says Ms
Wilson.
ENDS