HOW THE UNION WAS FORMED
(Adopted from an article written by Robin Mercer – the first Interim Secretary of the Union) (Ref: Annual Report March 1993 – March 1994 Pgs 10 -11)
From shortly after the signing of the Deed of Cession in 1874 until early 1961, the two major Banks in Fiji employed totally expatriate staff. The advent of the ANZ in the early 50’s and the Bank of Baroda in the 60’s did nothing to change this policy. The exceptions were the Europeans who were Fiji born and qualified for Bank employment purely on the basis of race. These few loyal recruits enjoyed the same privileges as the expatriate staff.
In the early 1961 Josaia Maivusaroko joined the BNZ as the first non – European to be employed by a Bank in Fiji. Other Banks quickly followed suit after the hastily conceived “Terms of Employment” was drawn up by the Banks Association. The generous “Tropical Allowances”, leave conditions and rent subsidies applicable for expatriates were not considered for the new local recruits however.
By 1965 local staff numbers had risen to around 200 country-wide, and discrimination in salary and conditions between the expatriate staff and the local staff were subject of frequent discussions, although it was recognized that over the period expatriate staff numbers had declined considerably and in most cases they were fulfilling tasks for which the local staff did not, at that point in time, have the experience to perform.
Nevertheless, there were some serious short comings in the “Terms of Employment” that had originally been drawn up unilaterally by the “Associated Banks”, shortcomings the Banks were not prepared to discuss. Local staff at that time felt that it was time to form a negotiating body to air these grievances. It was time to form a union.
THE UNION IS FORMED
An informal secret discussion took place between Josaia Maivusaroko and Tom Ricketts at the Rendezvous milk bar in Suva. A date was set for a meeting at Mr Mercer’s Suva Point home to set up a steering committee and only carefully selected Bank employees were invited. Total secrecy was required in this very delicate formative stage. That Sunday Suva Point meeting in early 1966 was a great success.
Formation
1966
Selected Bank Officers met in 1966 to form a Union.
Josaia Maivusaroko was elected as President, Tom Rickets as Vice-President, Pramod Kapadia as Treasurer and Robin Mercer the Union’s 1st Secretary.
This Union waas registered on 12 June 1968 under the Trade Unions Act and was called Fiji Bank Officers Association.
Subscription was levied at $1.00 per head.
1975
The Union negotiated improvements in local conditions of the Bank employees but the first major gain was the “Sahai Award” in July 1975 which awarded a 22% increase across the board for all employees.
On 21 September 1977 Bob Kumar was appointed as the first full time National Secretary to head the Secretariat.
1977 also saw the maiden Annual Report for the Union published by Bob Kumar but without a Logo. The first Annual Report with a Logo was for period March 1978 – February 1979.
On 6 August 1977 a decision was made to locate the Union’s Secretariat at 298 Waimanu Road, Suva.
On 18 February 1978 a full Branch was established in Labasa comprising of Bank of New Zealand and Baroda members.
Increase in subscriptions to $26 per annum for Salaried staff and $13 per annum for Service Staff was approved.
Formation of Credit Union
Fiji Bank Officers’ Credit Union was formed and registered on 15 June 1978 but later closed.
2 October 1978 – Closure of Citibank was a blow to a number of Union members.
Change in Union’s name
Members felt that the glamour attached to calling an organization of workers “Association” was not only obsolete but also a label that carries along with it an aura of pomposity and prestige that are in direct contradiction with the aims, objects and ideals that constitute the brotherhood of organized labor. At the 11th AGM on 10th March 1979 members unanimously adopted a motion to change the name of the union to Fiji Bank Employees Union (FBEU) to match its name with activities that went into the make-up of a mass-based organization that connoted a union and also approved a new logo to reflect the change in name.
In 1979 the Union purchased a property at the corner of Gordon and Kimberly Street at a cost of $55,000.
Subscriptions were also increased from $26 to $52 per annum for salaried staff and $13 to $26 per annum for the hourly paid workers.
Employees of Central Monetary Authority (now known as Reserve Bank of Fiji) and National Bank of Fiji joined the Union in 1979.
The Union was successful in getting the Banks to recognize the right of the Union to negotiate on behalf of Branch Accountants.
One prominent member Sakaria Ve’s outstanding performance in the boxing ring brought credit and pride to the Union with his array of boxing titles.
MARCH 1980 – FEBRUARY 1981
Secretariat produced a booklet titled “INTRODUCING THE FBEU”.
22 January 1981 Fiji Bank Employees Union Club opened for business.
MARCH 1981 – FEBRUARY 1982
The Union was successful after vigorously pursuing for the reinstatement of the medical benefit scheme in ANZ Bank.
The Union was successful in getting Bank of New South Wales (BNSW) on the same terms and conditions as applying to ma to agree to grant housing finance to married female officer married male staff. The Bank also agreed to extend the new terms and conditions to any existing loans for married female staff.
MARCH 1982 – FEBRUARY 1983
1st November 1982 the Union’s Secretariat relocated to the ground floor of Fiji Trades Union Congress at the corner of Des Voeux Road and Gordon Street with a street address of 101 Gordon St.
MARCH 1983 – FEBRUARY 1984
Central Monetary Authority members resorted to strike action on 28 June 1983 to resolve the matter of Job Evaluation. As a consequence of the superficial attitude adopted by the CMA management to the strike, the Union called a stop work meeting of all Bank employees in Suva on 30th June with a view to calling a nationwide strike. This strike lasted 17 days and was settled on 14 July 1983.
MARCH 1984 – FEBRUARY 1985
On 30 November 1984 Barclays Bank members took strike action when the management refused to consider the Unions request to appoint one of the existing staff members in their loan/advances department in a grade 3 position following the resignation of existing staff.
The strike was settled on 5 December 1984.
FDB entered into a voluntary recognition agreement with the Union on 10 December 1984.
MARCH 1985 – FEBRUARY 1986
FBEU Union club ceased its operations on 3rd May 1985. ANZ Bank took over operations of Barclays Bank on 1st July 1985.
WBC acquired the Mastercard Operations in Fiji with effect from 1st February 1986.
MARCH 1986 – FEBRUARY 1987
The Hong Kong Bank commenced its business in Suva on 19 January 1987 and the 14 staff became members of the union.
MARCH 1987 – FEBRUARY 1988
The National Secretary of the Union was arrested by the Army and the building which housed the FBEU was taken over by the armed forces.
MARCH 1988 – FEBRUARY 1989
Closure of HongKong Bank
The HongKong and Shangai Banking Corporation transferred its Pacific Operations to the Westpac Banking Corporation on 30 June 1988. The Westpac gave the Union its undertaking that there would be no redundancies as the result of their acquisition of HongKong Bank business in Fiji and those who had joined Westpac are participating in the benefits enjoyed by the existing Westpac staff.
Suspension of Affiliation to FTUC
On 27 October 1988 FBEU members decided to suspend its affiliation to Fiji Trades Union Congress in view of the deliberate interference by some officials of the FTUC in the affairs of the FBEU.
MARCH 1989 – FEBRUARY 1990
The FBEU with regret accepted Bro Bob Kumar’s intention to retire from the post of National Secretary. Bro Bob was the first full time Secretary of the Union. He was in this position from 1977 and there is no denying of the fact that our Union made spectacular progress during his 13 years as National Secretary of the Union. Bro Bob was also the Treasurer of FTUC for some years and represented the labour movement at various nationwide international forums and meetings. He was also the Lord Mayor of Suva for two consecutive terms between 1985-87.
For several months the affairs of the Union was diligently carried out by the Assistant National Secretary Bro Diljeet Singh. He was a pillar of strength for the Union at this time and provided support and guidance to members as the need arose.
APRIL 1990 – MAY 1991
After Bob Kumar’s resignation Bro Diwan Shankar was appointed to the position of National Secretary on 20th September 1990.
The Union re-affiliated to Fiji Trades Union Congress on 24 November 1990.
The attempted formation of a separate Union was disallowed by the Registrar of Trade Unions on 14 December 1990. The Registrar cited the reason for this decision as “A Trade Union already registered is adequately representative of the interests of the applicants”.
MAY 1991 – MARCH 1992
Habib Bank staff joined the Union.
A Medical Insurance scheme was set up with effect from 12 December 1991.
APRIL 1992 – MARCH 1993
Somalia Appeal collected $3000 and the Fiji Mine Workers Appeal collected $650.
APRIL 1993 – MARCH 1994
On 6th April 1993 priests from different denominations were invited to bless the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Union building.
On the 25th Anniversary of the Union history was created on 26th March 1994 when the Managing Director of FDB, Mr Laisenia Qarase officially opened the doors of the Unions biggest investment the FBEU Building at the corner of Gordon and Kimberly street.
Founding members of the Union were all invited to join in the celebrations and given the honour to cut the cake.
Subscriptions increased from $52 to $104 per annum for salaried staff and from $26 to $52 per annum for service staff.
Introduction of Benefits to Members
Death benefit increased from $100 to $500 for members and $300 for spouse and children. Retirement benefit scheme set up for those retiring after 15 years of continuous membership and more than 20 years membership to be given $300 and $500 respectively.
Formation of Women’s Committee
A Womens Committee was formed in Suva, with branches in Nadi and Labasa.
A very successful Inter – Bank’s Sports Day was organized in Suva, West and Lautoka on 18th, 25th and 18th September 1993 respectively.
FIET (International Federation of Commercial, Clerical, Professional and Technical Employees) delegation arrived in om 20 – 22 October to visit the Union. (Ref. to page 6. FIET is now known as UNI Global Union).
Strike at BANK OF BARODA on 2 April 1993 over a dispute on Log of Claims for 1992.
The Union conducted secret ballots throughout its Baroda branches. However, the non cooperative management stance of Baroda Suva office, led the Union to take its ballot boxes out in the street, and in full view of Suva’s public. The management of Baroda further reacted by locking their doors and not allowing our members to cast their votes – but unsuccessfully.
Baroda management further interfered by influencing the official supervisor of ballots not to supervise the ballots taken outside. Despite such impediments, an 82% strike mandate was obtained from our members.
Baroda’s Suva office became dysfunctional. Telephone and fax messages of encouragement and support poured in from all over the country and abroad. Our unshakeable display of solidarity was not only seen but felt. Our strike was obviously highly successful.
Hopes of achieving justice were high indeed. However, our joy was short-lived. A surprise decision by the Registrar of Trade Unions ruled the results of our Secret Ballot in Suva as “null and void”. We found this totally absurd and chose to ignore such idiocy. We continued to pursue the collective wishes of our members and their right to collective action.
The Government intervened. The Minister for Labour and Industrial relations declared our Strike illegal. Our members were ordered back to work. The implications of not abiding a Ministerial order would have been serious and costly. Accordingly, we decided to return to work without prejudice to our legal rights to challenge this order.
Almost immediately we issued legal proceedings in the High Court to review the Ministerial Order.
Unfortunately, and beyond our control, the proceedings dragged for long. Eventually the judgment was received that the Ministerial interference and declaration of our strike action as illegal was wrong. We lost valuable time and money in the process of proving in principle the legality of our actions.
This judgment was important in principle and a precedent that unwarranted State intervention in Industrial Relations can be detrimental to the interests of the workers. Further, it has been made explicitly clear as to how mandate from our members are to be obtained. Justice Byrne’s judgment was as follows:
“In my view an employer is not entitled to dictate where a secret ballot is to be held nor can the Registrar of Trade unions. It is the choice of the employees entitled to vote at whatever place is convenient to them either at work place or somewhere else more convenient which matters and to this extent / therefore agree with the remarks in paragraphs 20 and 21 in the letter of the Union to the Minister of the 2nd April 1993 that the Ministry of Labour supervisors had no right to determine where the ballot was to take place. The choice of this location was by law that of the employees”.
APRIL 1994 – MARCH 1995
Launching of the Rawanda Appeal on 12 August 1994 which collected $1400.
Introduction of Part-Time Work: the idea of Part-Time work was brought to the Union’s attention sometime in December 1994. Discussions on this issue took place at Executive Council meetings and also at the AGM. The minutes speak for itself. There was a lot of concern about Part-Timing though not a reality at that stage.
The 28th AGM gave mandate to the Executive Council to deliberate on this issue and make the best deal for full time employees and negotiate a settlement on part-time work provided minimum standards and conditions were maintained as well as to ensure that full-time employment must remain secured.
Increase in Benefits
Death benefits $500 to $700 for members $300 to $500 for spouse and children. New benefit of $500 for members retiring on medical grounds.
FIET-JLC team visits Fiji
From 13 to 16th November 1994, a study team from Japan representing FIET-JLC (International Federation of Commercial, Clerical, Professional and Technical Employees) – Japanese Liaison Council visited Fiji and had meetings with the Union.
ANZ expressed intention to decrease its workforce in the Data Input area by 16 staff and the Union was quick to take action by organizing a meeting with members at the then Regal Theatre. We later met the ANZ management and the matter was resolved. All 16 staff got their jobs back.
On 18 October 1994 a strike mandate was taken over the issue of hiring of expatriates in BOB and approval was given by Registrar of Trade Unions.
Formation of Branch for Managers
Approval for the formation of a branch for Managers was given at the 26th AGM. However FSMSA was set up as a separate Union and was registered on 30 November 1994. The inaugural Convention of FSMSA was opened on 4th February 1995 at the Travelodge (now called Holiday Inn) by the then Minister of Labour & Industrial Relations Hon Mr Militoni Leweniqila. Bro Bob Kumar was appointed to head this Association.
1993 controversy over the BOB industrial action was cleared by a High Court decision in favour of the Union.
Union Accounts and Database gets computerized
APRIL 1995 – MARCH 1996
Introduction of Scholarship Fund
A scholarship fund was set up to assist needy members.
Westpac Best Bank Policy signed – an agreement with WESTPAC about their BEST BANK POLICY was concluded with the Union.
Introduction separate Log of Claims For the first time since the Union was formed the tradition of negotiating through ABIF (Association of Banks in Fiji) for Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) was broken. Separate claims were lodged to individual Banks. This sent shock waves throughout the industry when we successfully settled with WBC on a 3.5 % COLA.
Introduction of Solidarity Fund
To cater for expenses on industrial action that would take place in the Union, the 29th AGM unanimously approved this to be a onetime payment of $10 by all members each year when members received their COLA.
1st AGM in Nadi
The 27th AGM was held in Nadi for the first time and we had a record attendance at this meeting. A grand Pacific Night followed at the Fiji Mocambo on the evening after this AGM
APRIL 1996 -MARCH 1997
Asset Management Bank (AMB) workers joined in 1996
Part Time Agreement in ANZ and WBC – The Union began negotiations with both ANZ Bank and Westpac and a draft Part-Time agreement on employment terms and conditions were prepared for discussions. The Union studied these carefully and made several changes and eventually signed the agreement with both Westpac and ANZ on 14 June 1996 and 18 June 1996 respectively. One of the conditions agreed to by the Union and the Bank was that all new recruits will sign a FBEU membership form on their appointment so that loss of membership through redundancy was to some extent being neutralized.
2nd Investment
The Union purchased of a second property at Denison Road, Suva.
NBF SAGA – was one of the highlights of the Union’s struggles.
We were faced with the greatest Industrial Relations challenge when the Government owned NBF was contemplating making some 300 of its 710 employees redundant, a number which had been unprecedented in the history of our country.
When NBF did not reciprocate kindly to our Union’s gestures we conducted a nationwide ballot on 18/4/96 to obtain a strike mandate. With a 95% support from members in NBF we alerted our International Trade Secretariats and put the union on full RED ALERT for the inevitable.
With the proposed NBF Restructuring Bill in 1996 the Union was faced with a consequence of seeing NBF being divided into 2 different entities, a Personal Bank (Banking) and a Asset Management Bank (Debt Recovery).
A protest was organized outside the parliament but failed to deter the Government, and we had no OTHER CHOICE and on 24/07/1996 pulled out the members nationwide in NBF.
The strike was declared illegal but this did not deter the Union. Late Sir Vijay R Singh was hired as the Union’s lawyer.
Sis Olive who was the President at that time provided guidance and support. Our sister Unions all supported us in cash and kind. This was one example of solidarity that today is hard to experience. The Secretariat was raided and staff subjected to terror. One of the staff was so scared that she cried. Despite all this he successfully concluded negotiations at about 6 pm on Tuesday 6 August 1996
APRIL 1997 – MARCH 1998
NBF Uniform issue
On 6 June 1997 NBF wrote to the Union saying that its staff would need to contribute 50% towards the cost of uniforms. This was contrary to the Collective agreement between the Union and the Bank and a trade dispute was reported on the matter. The disputes committee awarded in favour of the Union.
NBF Part – Time agreement signed
Another Part-Time agreement was signed between the Union and NBF on 19 November 1997 and this time Bro Diwan ensured that some of the interested redundant staff from NBF were taken into these positions.
NMBf/SUN INS, Merchant Bank of Fiji (MBF) and Bank of Hawaii (BOH) staff signed up to join the Union in 1998
Centralization and Restructure leading to Redundancy in ANZ Bank
The Redundancy Clause in the Collective Agreement between the Union and the ANZ Bank was revised so as to be prepared with the impending centralization and restructuring plans by the ANZ Bank and its effect on both retirement and long service leave.
We sought assistance from Finance Sector Union in Australia who sent their Industrial Officer, Bro Don Farr, to assist and guide the Union.
The “Expression of Preference Form” was circulated by the Bank and the Union told its members not to fill this form but we designed another form called the Career Development and Planning Questionnaire.
Members interested in voluntary redundancy forwarded their names to the Union.
The Union gave a 21 days notice with Registrar of Trade Unions on 20 January 1998 to take strike ballot in all ANZ branches throughout Fiji on 13 February 1998. Ballots were counted on 25 February 1998. Ballots were counted on 25 February and we got 86% support from members. The ANZ Bank was given 3 weeks time to consider its proposals which expired on 19 March 1998.
At 5.00 pm on the same day the ANZ members were told by the Union to hand over their keys and gather at the strike centre at the Unions Denison Road property. Momentum of support grew and we had support of 92% members.
Ministry of Labour intervened and through successful negotiations reached an agreement on 25 March 1998.
Voluntary redundancy was offered by the Bank. Diwan led ANZ workers back to work in style.
Credit Union gets registered – on 20 October 1997 and was named “Finance Sector Union Thrift & Credit Co-Op Ltd”.
APRIL 1998 – FEBRUARY 1999
The Union expanded its scope of membership to include financial institutions and the rules of the constitution amended accordingly and registered on 30 November 1998.
Change in Union’s name and Logo – also in line with this change the name of the Union was changed to Fiji Bank & Finance Sector Employees Union.
Voluntary recognition for NMBf, Merchant Bank and Bank of Hawaii membership was granted and they became the first of the non-bank financial institutions which came under our fold.
MARCH 1999 – MARCH 2000
Queensland Insurance (QI), Colonial Life & Health and Housing Authority (HA) workers joined the Union
APRIL 2000 – MARCH 2001
Bro Diwan took leave from duties as the National Secretary for a year to attend to his family responsibilities.
Bro Pramod Rae appointed to carry out National Secretary’s responsibilities.
Collective Agreements with Sun Insurance, LICI, New India, PRB, FNPF and Housing Authority were signed
APRIL 2001 – MARCH 2002
Colonial Life and Health members went on strike over the delay in reaching settlement over the collective agreement. After a weeklong strike a new collective agreement was signed.
APRIL 2002 – MARCH 2003
This was a relatively quiet period for the Union as the Union had secured 2-3 year agreements in the major finance sector workplaces.
In formulating Part B of Log of Claims we ensured that every attempt was made to eradicate as far as possible the disparities which existed within the sector industries pertaining to benefits paid to our members by different organizations.
APRIL 2003 – MARCH 2004
Bro Pramod Rae was elected in as National Secretary on 20 March 2004. The process of elections was challenged by the opposing candidate and some court challenges were filed.
APRIL 2004 – MARCH 2005
Addition of a Group Funeral Policy to the Medical Insurance scheme at $1.00 per week with a payout of $2000.00 on death of applicant.
Life Insurance scheme for members commenced with Colonial Life Insurance.
Subscriptions increased to $156 for salaried staff and $78 for service and part time workers.
APRIL 2005 – MARCH 2006
Membership benefits to members again revised.
Introduction of $500 benefits to single members on the peath of parents.
APRIL 2006 – MARCH 2007
2 February 2007 the High Court ruled in favour of the Union in the National Secretary’s position after Ganesh Chand challenged the Union on the procedures of the election process.
APRIL 2007 – MARCH 2008
December 13th FNPF members walked off their jobs in protest of the FNPF Board decision not to pay out COLA for 2005 and 2006 and performance increases for 2007.
This strike had a drastic effect on the Union’s affiliation with FTUC. The Executive Council felt let down that the workers representatives on the FNPF Board had worked against our members. As a result a decision was taken to disaffiliate from FTUC.
WBC signed a new salary structure agreement with the Union.
The Medical Insurance scheme was moved from FijiCare to Dominion Insurance as a result of very strict conditions being placed on our policy.
40th Year Celebrations
The Union was now 40 years old and a celebration was warranted. Various activities were organized for members to celebrate the Union’s 40th year of success. Activities planned were: Lottery sales, sale of t-shirts and sulus, inter organization quiz and soccer competitions in Suva, competitions in essay writing, union song writing, arts and design and design of Unions logo, historical Annual Report, Newspaper supplement, presentation of mementos to each member, West and Vanua Levu Branch sports day.
The official opening of the soccer competitions was successful with many members taking interest.
Most member organizations sponsored the various activities. Competitions in Soccer and Quiz become very competitive and the Secretariat was always kept busy throughout the competitions. The Chairman of the soccer competitions was kept on his toes and was at the receiving end of all complaints by teams.
A request was made to include Touch Rugby in the competitions in Suva. As a result the Secretariat decided to hold fun days in West, Suva and Vanua Levu. This proved to be very successful as members got to come out with their families to enjoy a day of sports and fun. It was very encouraging to note the support by the member organizations by providing marquees to our members.
Above all we achieved our aim of the celebrations. Members from all organizations mixed around and got to know each other and the membership strength has slightly increased.
The celebrations culminated with an evening function after the 40th AGM on 17th May 2008. Founding members of the Union added prestige to this functions and presentation of prizes by sponsoring organizations was a welcome gesture.
12 November 2008 – Collective agreement signed between Global Transfers Ltd t/a Western Union.
Also into the fold came the Home Finance Company (HFC) employees.
APRIL 2008 – MARCH 2009
5 Feb 09 Collective Agreement was signed for Fiji Police Credit Union.
The Union had to get a permit to hold the AGM and only 400 members were allowed with 80 vehicles only.
Balloting was done on 3 motions being:
Amend Clause 18 A
To change format of the AGM – to have 1 delegate for every 20 members of the Union represented in financial and other institutions or undertakings employing Union members. 50% of total number of delegates entitled to be present at a Delegates Conference shall constitute a quorum for the Delegates Conference.
Amend Clauses 38 (a) and 38 (b)
To allow for representation by all employer institutions in the Ex Co and such composition to be proportionally represented based on Union membership from financial institutions, Banks and other undertakings as follows:
1 – 100 members (1 rep)
101 – 200 members (2 reps)
210 – 350 members (3 reps)
351 – 500 members (4 reps)
501 – 650 members (5 reps)
651 and more (6 reps)
That the Ex Co may approve a rebate of subs to assist lower paid members in financial hardship from time to time in accordance with the prescribed policy – to allow temporary relief to our lower paid members facing financial hardship.
APRIL 2009 MARCH 2010
February 2010 – saw the inclusion of members from Fiji Sugar General Fund.
ME 2010 – Union’s 1st Annual Delegates Conference was held in conjunction with the 42nd AGM.
Union wins stay injunction placed on transfers of BOB Union reps. BOB’s appeal on this stay declined.
APRIL 2010 – MARCH 2011
Decree 35/2011 – BSP, ANZ, WBC and BOB were included in the list of Essential Industries.
Bargaining Units were formed in BSP, ANZ, WBC and BOB and new agreements were signed between the Bargaining Units and these organization.
Membership was affected by this decree as they felt that the Union was no longer effective. Despite this the loyal members stood strong and committed and remained in solidarity.
Weekday Executive Council meetings were replaced with Saturday meetings.
APRIL 2011 – MARCH 2012
This period was very quiet for the Union given the Decree that restricted us from much of Union related work.
APRIL 2012 – MARCH 2013
ANZ Bargaining Unit signed a new salary and grading structure agreement after the majority of members agreed to the change.
Redundancies enforced in ANZ.
APRIL 2013 – MARCH 2014
BOB bargaining unit concluded the signing of their collective agreement and maintained most of the terms and conditions and improvement on others.
APRIL 2014 – MARCH 2015
Pramod Rae made known his intention to vacate his position on 30 June 2014 so that he could contest the general elections in the country.
1 July 2014 – Sailesh Naidu appointed to act as National Secretary
27 September 2014 Ex Co meeting revised Members benefits claim time frame to be lodged within 6 months and later to 1 year.
10 October 2014 ILO delegation met with Union reps. Union presented its submission on ENI Decree and its effects. Tripartite agreement gets signed.
APRIL 2015 – MARCH 2016
Members affected by Cyclone Winston were assisted with groceries and cash.
UNI contributed $12362 to this cause and the Union contributed $4774 totaling $17136 in assistance.
UNI funding towards UNI – FLC workshops was used for a workshop for National Union of Factory and Commercial Workers and for our own Union in Suva and West.
ENI Decree repealed but our member organization remained in the list of essential industries.
Union and ANZ signed a MOA reinstating the Collective Agreement which existed in 2011 and taking into consideration agreements made with the Bargaining Unit.
BOB signed a rollover Collective Agreement after the repeal of ENI Decree.
Collective Agreements in WBC and BSP Bank still under negotiations.
Bred Bank employees form part of the Union.
APRIL 2016 – MARCH 2017
21 November 2016 Union workshop held in Suva. This was opened by the Director ILO. Ministry of Labour officials held sessions on ERP 2007. ERP Amendment Act 2015 and 2016. 20 Jan 2018 Ex Co formed sub-committees to look into revision of membership benefits, prepare for union’s 50th year celebrations, revise union’s constitution.
27 April 2018
RBF hosted the Union for its Quiz competition held for members and the 50th anniversary celebrations launched by Deputy Governor RBF Esala Masitabua. Management teams of member organizations also turned up to support their staff. Quiz master was Seymour Singh.
RFMF offices were invited to assist with the organization of the fun games, however due to bad weather the Suva fun day was postponed. West fun day also did not take place due to lack of interest and Saturday work for some members. Instead plan B was put in place to have a get together for West members with a cake cutting ceremony.
Branch celebration function to be held on the evening of 7 July 2018 at the Friendly North Inn, Labasa.
Suva celebrations to be on 21 July 2018, at the Novotel Entertainment Center Lami.
Ex Co to endorse membership benefit committee recommendations to revise the membership benefit.