The Water Authority of Fiji (WAF) has expressed its dismay at a recent media release by the National Union of Workers (NUW) General Secretary Felix Anthony which gave fake and incorrect information.
The media release gave information that is untrue. WAF is aware that the media release, which contains fabricated news, was based on a fake Facebook page.
Bhavesh Kumar, Chairman of WAF, said “It is quite disturbing that Felix Anthony is ready to mislead the workers into a strike based on a Facebook page which contains news and events which never happened.”
“The press conference that Felix mentions in the NUW did not happen. Minister Usamate never gave those comments, and I can assure the people of Fiji that 300 projects have not been stalled, or are in limbo.”
This is completely incorrect information. Using fake news is never a resort to try to convince people you are right.
“This only proves my earlier point. Felix and the Union do not care about workers, they do not even bother to verify basic information but are ready to lead the workers down the path to strike, the same workers who pay his salary.”
“This is not only irresponsible, but it is also highly suspect.”
Meanwhile, WAF has reiterated that, contrary to the union’s claims, about 600 staff have successfully passed their performance assessment and will be receiving contract renewals.
“The reason we did not announce this earlier is because the performance exercise was being undertaken and this is a highly confidential exercise until the results are finalized, which they are now.”
“It is very unfortunate that the union has caused so much distress among our employees and their families because of fake news which the union spread in their statement.”
As WAF does every single year, the upcoming projects have been identified and advertised.
Operations General Manager Sekove Uluinayau, said that “this is standard practice in WAF in regard to temporary workers, and staff are well aware of this. It is quite unfortunate that the unions have spread this information and this has negatively affected the WAF family who are a close unit. Of course those with experience in these projects who have performed well will be given first consideration.”
WAF management met with staff at Wailoku Depot yesterday to address their issues and receive their applications for temporary workers’ project placements.