The Australian Transport Workers Union is threatening to delay, or even stop flights, from Monday.
The union is targeting Fiji’s tourism industry to protest against what it says is a crackdown on workers’ rights by the Fijian government.
“We’re calling on the Australian community to standby the Fijian community — not just the sun and surf — but give them an opportunity to enjoy the freedom and rights that we take for granted,” a union spokesman said.
The union wants Qantas to ensure the rights of its workers are upheld, including those that work for Air Pacific, which is joint operated by Qantas and the Fijian government.
In a statement, Qantas said it was a minority shareholder in the airline and had no involvement in day-to-day operation.
Meanwhile, Fiji has criticized Australia’s response to its request to extradite former military officer Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara.
Fiji’s Solicitor General Christopher Pryde said Australia is not willing to accommodate Fiji’s request for Mara’s extradition.
Pryde said they received correspondence from the Australian Attorney General’s Office stating its reasons for not granting the extradition request.
“They have given a number of reasons none of which we consider valid and we do consider it disappointing that the Australian government couldn’t even have the courtesy of considering the application and so they have sent it back.”
Fiji sent the request for Mara’s extradition so he could be tried in court for making seditious comments and absconding bail.
