Anthony claims WAF laying off 2600 workers while Patel says Anthony's numbers are incorrect

Anthony claims WAF laying off 2600 workers while Patel says Anthony's numbers are incorrect

[L-R] Fiji Trades Union Congress National Secretary Felix Anthony and Water Authority of Fiji Chairman Bhavesh Patel

Fiji Trades Union Congress National Secretary, Felix Anthony says Water Authority workers who are members of the National Union of Workers will go on a nationwide protest before May 3rd if the Authority goes ahead to lay off 2,600 workers next Tuesday.

However Water Authority of Fiji Chairman, Bhavesh Patel says the claims made by Felix Anthony are refuted by the Authority.

Patel says it is a fact that the Authority is going through a restructure and it will finalise it’s employee numbers shortly.

The Authority Chairman also says that the interpretation of the provisions of the Collective Agreement by the union is an issue before the Arbitration Court and it would not be fair to make any further public comment.

However Anthony maintains that termination notices have been given to about 2,600 Authority workers.

Patel maintains that the numbers provided by Anthony are incorrect.