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\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 \f2\fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\noproof\langnp5129\langfenp5129 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI

\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid11231569\charrsid7750072 AT LAUTOKA
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid7750072 CIVIL ACTION NO.}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
 HBC0206 OF 1997L
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 BETWEEN:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 FIJI PUBLIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION}{
\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid11231569\charrsid7750072 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 P}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid11231569\charrsid7750072 laintiff}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 AND:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY OF FIJI}{
\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid11231569\charrsid7750072 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 D}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid11231569\charrsid7750072 efendant}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid11231569\charrsid7750072 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 Mr Prakash for the Plaintiff}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid11231569\charrsid7750072 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 Ratu Vakalalabure for the Defendant
\par 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid14968596 Date of Hearing: 1}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 st August 1997}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid11231569\charrsid7750072 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 Date of Ruling: 29th September 1997
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 RULING
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
\par This is an application for declarations and injunctive relief. The declaration (as amended) sought are as follows:}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid14968596 -}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 (i) That the Plaintiff is the sole representative of all
 the salaried employees of the Defendant and entitled to recognition by the employer for the purposes of collective bargaining.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
(ii) That the Defendant is in breach of the Trade Union Act by recognising the Civil Aviation Workers Association (CAWA) when i
t does not have the necessary membership to enable CAWA to carry out collective bargaining on behalf of its members, whether salaried or unestablished employees.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
(iii) An injunction to restrain the Defendant whether by itself or its servants and agents fr
om recognising and/or dealing with CAWA as a recognised Union of the salaried employees of the Defendant for the purposes of collective bargaining, until further order.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
\par This matter is very much an inter-union dispute into which the 1st Defendant has most unwisely allowed itself to be drawn.
\par 
\par }{\b\f0\fs24\ul\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7746674 FACTS
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
\par The Plaintiff (FPSA) is an association which undertakes the task of, inter alia, a Trade Union. Included amongst its members are employees of the 1st Defendant.
\par 
\par In 1991, FPSA and CAAF successfully negotiated a 
collective agreement designed to meet the employment terms of the salaried employees of CAAF. CAAF also employs other persons on an hourly and/or part-time basis. These persons are termed "unestablished workers". These persons are not subject to the colle
ctive agreement.
\par 
\par Pursuant to Article B of the Collective Agreement, CAAF recognizes FPSA as the sole representative of, and agent for collective bargaining purposes, of the salaried staff.
\par 
\par More recently CAWA has been formed. It is not disputed that this A
ssociation is a properly formed Trade Union. CAWA's members include some unestablished and salaried employees of CAF. By order, CAWA was allowed to join in these proceedings as an interested party.
\par 
\par As well as recognising FPSA, CAAF has recognised CAWA as the collecting bargaining agent for its CAWA's members. FPSA, understandably perhaps, takes objection to this. What FPSA says, no doubt, is that Article B of the collective agre}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid3436106 ement is clear - it is the sole}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072  representative for the salaried employees for the purposes of collective bargaining.
\par 
\par I have heard the submissions of Counsel and have taken time to consider these. I am left with the conclusion that, at least so far as I understand the matter, it is best to simplify the issues. I will now endeavour to
 do so. In so doing I depart a trifle from the complex submissions of Counsel. For this I extend apology but of}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid3436106 t}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
 times I find the simple thought process of a predominantly forthright rural upbringing predominate and thus expose any pretences of feigned intellectuality that I may have.
\par 
\par To my mind, the following appear as relevant issues:-
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
1. There can effectively only be one collective bargaining agent between CAAF and its Salaried Staff at any one time - this to me is the intent of Article G.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 
\par Pursuant to
 Article B, the FPSA is described the sole bargaining agent. This can be changed by agreement under Article D. Hence an organisation of Air Traffic Controllers (also salaried staff) - FATCOA - is permitted to collectively bargain for its members.
\par 
\par Any sala
ried staff (general, air traffic, unestablished or otherwise), who are not members of FPSA or FATCOA cannot be given better conditions than provided for in the agreement (Article G). The nett effect of this, one presumes, is that the non-union persons are
 likely to benefit from the bargaining efforts of the two abovenamed Associations.
\par 
\par Unestablished staff are not party to the Collective Agreement and, until CAWA came on the scene, they were effectively unrepresented.
\par 
\par With the above in mind, I turn to consider the declaration sought.
\par 
\par In respect of the 1st declaration sought, I do not consider it within the scope of this Court to rule on it at this stage. As I read the Agreement (and had previously ruled) it is an arbitral agreement. Its purpose is to give 
the parties (FPSA AND CAAF) a forum for negotiations and dispute resolution by arbitration and only to present to Court as a last resort, and then only in defined circumstances.
\par 
\par This declaration before me now seeks the Court's interpretation of the Agreement and Article 8 in particular.
\par 
\par The application in respect of Prayer 1, evidences a dispute between CAAF and the FPSA in its collective role. As I read Chapter VII of the Agreement, a procedure to resolve such differences has been established. This proce
dure has not been followed. The parties have gone straight off to Court.
\par 
\par In my view, if either of the parties seek to enforce the Agreement (which the first declaration seeks to do) they should work within the provisions of the Agreement. It is against th
e spirit of the Agreement for the Court to be asked to intervene. Further, I might add, it is quite against the principles of good administration of Industrial Relations for the Court to do so. This is even more so when the procedure set up within the Agr
eement itself for resolution and dispute has been ignored.
\par 
\par I decline to entertain declaration 1. CAAF and FPSA should be directed to Chapter VII of the Agreement and should follow the procedure therein. I do not consider it necessary that I comment further }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid11417146 o
}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 n the declarations sought except to direct all the parties' attention to the ruling of the Permanent Arbitr}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid11417146 
ator (as he then was) in FPSA -v- CAAF No. 13 of 1997, which if}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072  closely read, offers considered insight into the industrial philosophy underpinning
 the Agreement. Whilst CAWA (or any other organisation), can clearly come to agreement with CAAF in respect of the unestablishe}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid11417146 d employees, light may be shed o}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 n the "grey" area involving salaried worker by a reading of the Permanent Arbitrator's ruling.
\par 
\par Consideration of the second declaration sought involves interpretation of Section 3 of the Trade Unions (Recognition) Act Cap 96A as amended by Decree 43 of 1991, and Section 5 (1) of the Principal Act.
\par 
\par The FPSA submission is to the effect that the combina
tion of the above sections must be taken to mean that if a Trade Union has over 50% of relevant employees as members, a rival Trade Union with less members, should not be recognised by the employer for the purposes of collective bargaining.
\par 
\par CAWA and CAAF submit that recognition per se, is a voluntary decision. It is only if a Trade Union with greater than 50% of employees is not recognised, that th}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid5315823 e combined effect of Section 3(1}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 ) and Section 5 is to make such recognition mandatory.
\par 
\par The view put forward b
y CAAF and CAWA, is, to my mind, the correct view. Without reciting the section herein, I think the meaning and effect is clear. An employer can voluntarily recognise any duly registered Trade Union for the purposes of collective bargaining - or for that 
matter refuse to recognise it. If, however, the employer refuses to recognise a Trade Union which has greater than 50% membership of relevant employees then the Trade Disputes (Recognition) Act renders such recognition mandatory.
\par 
\par This is not to say that the Union with only 1% or 49% of employees as members cannot be recognised. If an employer wishes to recognise and negotiate with a collective bargaining agent with a }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid5315823 
content of only 1% of employees,}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072  as members, then so be it.
\par 
\par Accordingly, even if CAWA does not have 50% members CAAF is not in breach by recognising it for collective bargaining purposes. I thus decline to make the declarations sought.
\par 
\par As a result of the above}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid2496698 ,}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072  I decline to order the injunction.
\par 
\par The original summons is therefore dismissed in its entirety.
\par 
\par I make no order as to costs.
\par 
\par I feel constrain to remark on the expressed opinions expressed by Counsel at hearing, that the above ruling was of some great importance. With respect, I do not see any great significance in the legal issues rai
sed herein. In fact I think the Applications and actions of all the parties hereto to be somewhat il}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid2496698 l-considered. I can understand }{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 the underlying agenda in terms of Industrial politics but the issues of law are, to my mind, very clear.
\par 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid2496698 I well }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 understand that, with the approach of the new millennium and its fast chang}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid2496698 ing world, industrial politics }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 (in}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid5317399  fact politics in every sense) a}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 re under great challenge. But the greater the challenge the greater the need to carefully consider strategy and responses. I in
tuitively feel that this matter may get out of hand unless a steady, considered approach is adopted by all parties.
\par 
\par If my intuitive feeling is correct, and the within matter reflects certain "manoeuvring" may I make a plea to all parties for caution. The Courts of law are the last resort for such matters.
\par 
\par It would be safe to conclude humankind is about to enter an era of great change - perhaps the most profound since the Industrial Revolution succeeded Feudalism. Fiji will not escape the effects of this change.
\par 
\par With such all encompassing change comes a human cost and a consequential social disruption.
\par 
\par In the rush to corporatise, privatise, enterprise and collectively bargain (and other "catch phrases" which all have different applications to different si
tuations) it is important not to lose sight of the lessons of history. In the context of modern work practices history illustrates that negotiations and consideration between employer, employee and employee organisation brings greater productivity, work s
afety, security and increased living standards. It would be a great shame if these human gains were lost in a reckless charge into an uncertain future.
\par 
\par }{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid5317399 A c}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 autious and respectful eye should be had to the horizon for as history has repeatedly shown, in times
 of social disruption brought about by profound change, what are mistakenly taken as the approaching clouds of that cha}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid5317399 nge are rather the trail dust}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072  from the steeds of the apocalyptic horsemen.
\par 
\par I again stress to all parties in this matter to exercise considerable caution and to appreciate the role that each has and will have in the development of the modern Fiji.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 J. D. LYONS}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid11231569\charrsid7750072 

\par }{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049\charrsid7750072 JUDGE}{\b\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10634049 
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7750072 {\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid7750072 HBC0206}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid10845180 D}{
\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid7750072 .}{\f0\fs24\lang2057\noproof0\langnp2057\insrsid7750072\charrsid7750072 97L
\par }}