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It acknowledged
the right of counter-productive if sanctions are imposed which have the effect of
destroying employment and investment.
Governments to impose sanctions to apply pressure
for a return to democratic processes, but said that it would be.
The Council said that bans on the movement of
freight to and from Fiji imposed by Australian unions were already seriously threatening
the jobs of many thousands of ordinary Fiji citizens of all races. By continuing their
action the unions are playing into the hands of those who have usurped the democratic
processes and who seek to create social instability.
Reports from Fiji confirm that unless these bans
are lifted or modified without delay, many employers in Fiji will soon be forced to close
their doors and dismiss staff because they are unable to import raw materials and export
finished products. Many Australians who have invested considerable capital in helping
develop the economy and create employment in Fiji will have their investments decimated.
There is a real likelihood that once manufacturing
companies in Fiji are forced by sanctions to shut down they may never reopen, and the job
losses will be permanent.
This will have devastating effects on the ordinary
working people of Fiji and their families, and will lead to lawlessness and social
disorder as people are forced to take extreme measures to feed themselves and their
families. Responsibility for this outcome will rest squarely on the heads of the trade
union leadership.
The Council called on the Australian unions and the
Fiji Trades Union Congress to lift the bans in the interests of preserving irreplaceable
employment for the ordinary people of Fiji, and to seek other peaceful means to exert
pressure on the Fiji authorities.
NOTE FOR EDITORS 9 June 2000
Enquiries should be directed to Mr Ross Porter,
President, Australia Fiji Business Council Tel 02 9948 2711.
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