Situation for nurses and other workers in Fiji worsening

Media Release

17 August 2011

Situation for nurses and other workers in Fiji worsening

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) sends its support and solidarity to all the nurses and workers in Fiji. A recent decree devastates employment rights in Fiji and makes workers more vulnerable to abuse from employers and the military Government.

"We are extremely concerned to hear of what's happening in Fiji," says NZNO president, Nano Tunnicliff, "The situation for our nursing colleagues is very bad."

"Student nurses are being required to work even though they are not qualified. Hospitals in Fiji are not safe for staff or patients. The military Government has made the country unsafe at every level."

The Fiji military Government has ratified International Labour Organisation Convention 149 which recognises the contribution and addresses the needs of nursing personnel. NZNO is calling is calling on the Fiji military Government to honour their commitments under it.

"We also call on the New Zealand Government to support workers and trade unions in Fiji and make it clear to the military Government in Fiji that human and trade union rights abuses will not be tolerated," Tunnicliff says.

ENDS

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