Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta concerned about recent human trafficking allegations in Fiji.
Foreign Minister Nanaia Mahuta says New Zealand is keeping a close eye on how Fiji responds to accusations of human trafficking in the South Pacific nation, but a union representative says we need to go even further. Seafarers allege they were brought to Fiji on false promises by Goundar Shipping, and ended up working in unsanitary, unsafe conditions for seven days a week with the company providing little more than one slice of bread, a cup of tea, and the occasional cup of noodles to workers. The Filipino workers allege their boss at Goundar Shipping, one of Fiji’s largest shipping companies, held back their passports and dumped them on a wharf with wages unpaid and no ticket home to the Philippines after they complained about their situation.
Press Release – ITF New Zealand New Zealand transport workers unions are calling on their government to put Fiji on notice after Police launched an investigation into the potential human trafficking of dozens of Filipino seafarers in the country’s shipping industry . 20 Filipino …
20 Filipino seafarers were recruited by Goundar Shipping to operate its ferries in Fiji;
Goundar promised seafarers monthly wages of US$1000 but were paid much less arrival;
The company refuses to pay more than AU$250,000 owed to seafarers in unpaid wages;
Seven of the seafarers remain abandoned in Suva without support networks, permanent housing or income.
“Investigations by unions have uncovered allegations of widespread abuse, underpayment, unsafe conditions, and even of human trafficking and slavery, in New Zealand’s own backyard,” said Paul Tolich,
NZ Unions Call For Action Over Alleged Fiji Trafficking Scam thedailyblog.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from thedailyblog.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
New Zealand transport workers’ unions are calling on their government to put Fiji on notice after Police launched an investigation into the potential human trafficking of dozens of Filipino seafarers in the country's shipping industry . 20 Filipino .