Fiji ANZ workers fight for jobs
By Norm Dixon
Workers in Fiji employed by Australian banking giant ANZ have gone on strike to protect their jobs. More than 80% of the bank's 700 staff, members of the Fiji Bank Employees Union, have walked out.
ANZ plans to "restructure" its Fiji operations will result in the sacking of 70 workers and the forced transfer to part-time work of another 30. ANZ also wants to reduces wages.
Union leader Diwan Shankar said workers voted unanimously to strike on March 23, despite the strike being declared illegal by labour minister Vincent Lobendhan.