"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

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