The International Labour Organisation has postponed its decision on whether to call a Commission of Inquiry into workers affairs in Fiji.

The ILO Governing Body met on Saturday on a complaint of non-observance of the Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organise by the Fiji government.

Alain Pelce (pelsi) – a Senior International Labour Standards and Labour Law Specialist says if it comes to pass, the Commission of Inquiry will come to Fiji to assess the situation and make recommendations.

“In this case the recommendations of the Commission of Inquiry are binding. So the country has only one choice – either apply the recommendations or to challenge them before the International Court of Justice.”

In March, the ILO had requested the Government and the social partners – workers representatives and employers’ representatives – to submit a joint implementation report on Freedom of Association.

However, last Saturday, it noted that the joint communication was signed only by the government and the Fiji Commerce and Employers’ Federation.

A separate report was submitted by the Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC).

The ILO says regretting the failure to submit a joint implementation report as called for, it will consider establishing a Commission of Inquiry.

The complaint by the FTUC related to the Essential National Industries Decree.
FBC News has sought comments from the Ministry for Labour.