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,