Last Updated: Jul 30, 2007 - 8:40:17 PM


State cannot meet nurses demands
By fijitimes.com
Jul 30, 2007 - 8:39:23 PM

Email this article
 Printer friendly page
He said the industrial action by the nurses and others who are contemplating going on strike will only set Fiji back.

''It is only through cooperation of public servants and the people at large that we can move this country forward, especially if we are to correct the ills we are facing as a result of neglect, mismanagement and abuse of previous years,'' Commander Bainimarama said in a government statement.

He accused the Fiji Nursing Association of misleading its members especially at a time Fiji is struggling with its economy.

Commander Bainimarama said the interim government had made a genuine and realistic offer to the striking nurses, taking into account the interest of the people and the country at large.

''The FNA refused that offer. It is either they have chosen to deliberately ignore the difficulties we are facing as a country or they have other ulterior motives.''

The interim Prime Minister is prepared to meet the FNA only if they understand the interim government's point of view, which of course is related to the status of Government finances and the economy.

''The fact of the matter simply is that this country will ''go broke'' if we agree to the nurses demands.''

Commander Bainimarama is hopeful the nurses will realise the harm they are doing to themselves and the economy by going on strike.

''They already have lost a week's wages and stand to lose much more if they continue with their strike.''





Top of Page