{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman;}{\f659\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE;}
{\f660\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr;}{\f662\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek;}{\f663\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur;}{\f664\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew);}
{\f665\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic);}{\f666\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic;}{\f667\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese);}}{\colortbl;\red0\green0\blue0;\red0\green0\blue255;\red0\green255\blue255;
\red0\green255\blue0;\red255\green0\blue255;\red255\green0\blue0;\red255\green255\blue0;\red255\green255\blue255;\red0\green0\blue128;\red0\green128\blue128;\red0\green128\blue0;\red128\green0\blue128;\red128\green0\blue0;\red128\green128\blue0;
\red128\green128\blue128;\red192\green192\blue192;}{\stylesheet{\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 \styrsid264240 Normal;}{\*\cs10 \additive 
\ssemihidden Default Paragraph Font;}{\*\ts11\tsrowd\trftsWidthB3\trpaddl108\trpaddr108\trpaddfl3\trpaddft3\trpaddfb3\trpaddfr3\tscellwidthfts0\tsvertalt\tsbrdrt\tsbrdrl\tsbrdrb\tsbrdrr\tsbrdrdgl\tsbrdrdgr\tsbrdrh\tsbrdrv 
\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\cgrid\langnp1024\langfenp1024 \snext11 \ssemihidden Normal Table;}}{\*\listtable{\list\listtemplateid-687579154\listsimple{\listlevel\levelnfc0\levelnfcn0
\leveljc0\leveljcn0\levelfollow0\levelstartat1\levelspace0\levelindent0{\leveltext\'02\'00.;}{\levelnumbers\'01;}\fbias0 \fi-720\li1440\jclisttab\tx1440\lin1440 }{\listname ;}\listid639191500}}{\*\listoverridetable{\listoverride\listid639191500
\listoverridecount0\ls1}}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid264240\rsid4019909\rsid4023258\rsid5460265\rsid11163678}{\*\generator Microsoft Word 10.0.6764;}{\info{\title IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{\author blake_r}{\operator Gibson_W}{\creatim\yr2005\mo12\dy13\hr10\min22}
{\revtim\yr2005\mo12\dy13\hr10\min22}{\version2}{\edmins1}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords919}{\nofchars5239}{\*\company USP}{\nofcharsws6146}{\vern16391}}\widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\formshade\horzdoc\dgmargin
\dghspace180\dgvspace180\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow1\dgvshow1
\jexpand\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\splytwnine\ftnlytwnine\htmautsp\nolnhtadjtbl\useltbaln\alntblind\lytcalctblwd\lyttblrtgr\lnbrkrule\nobrkwrptbl\snaptogridincell\allowfieldendsel\wrppunct\asianbrkrule\rsidroot4023258 \fet0\sectd 
\linex0\headery708\footery708\colsx708\endnhere\sectlinegrid360\sectdefaultcl\sftnbj {\*\pnseclvl1\pnucrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl2\pnucltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl3\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang
{\pntxta .}}{\*\pnseclvl4\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl5\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl6\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl7
\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl8\pnlcltr\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}{\*\pnseclvl9\pnlcrm\pnstart1\pnindent720\pnhang {\pntxtb (}{\pntxta )}}\pard\plain 
\qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 IN THE HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par AT SUVA
\par CIVIL JURISDICTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 CIVIL ACTION NO.: HBC0255 OF 2004
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 BETWEEN:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 FIJI PUBLIC SERVICE ASSOCIATION
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 Plaintiff
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 AND:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 FIJI ISLANDS REVENUE AND CUSTOMS AUTHORITY
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 Defendant
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 
\par Date of Hearing: 7th July, 2004
\par Date of Ruling: 7th July, 2004
\par 
\par Counsel: Mr. Nagin \endash  for the Plaintiff
\par Defendant \endash  no appearance
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 EX TEMPORE RULING ON EX PARTE INTERIM INJUNCTION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 On the morning of the 7th of July I had placed before me an ex}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 parte application made by the Fiji Public Service Association (FPSA) against the Fiji Islands Revenue and Customs Authority (FIRCA).
\par 
\par The terms of that application were as follows:
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid264240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196  \'85\'85\'85
..that the Defendant by itself and or through its servants and or agents and or howsoever from proceeding any further with the recruitmen
t of the 13 National Managers as advertised in the Fiji Times of 19th June, 2004 or in any manner whatsoever implementing the Job Evaluation Review Report Project without the agreement of the Plaintiff until the hearing and determination of this action or
 until further order\'85\'85\'85\'85\'94
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 
\par The matter was urgent.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 
The application was considered by me in Chambers and I prepared a brief decision granting the application in part with my reasons and ruling to follow.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 The Ex parte Facts
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 The supporting affidavit filed by 
Rajeshwar Singh essentially deposes that FIRCA has decided to implement a Job Evaluation Review Project that is likely to affect the employment of many union members engaged by the Revenue and Customs Authority.
\par 
\par The Union on its members\rquote  behalf have invoked a statutory trade dispute process.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 This has been lodged and accepted.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 The trade disputes procedure would see the Job Evaluation Review Project challenged.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 That challenge will be resolved by conciliation and if that fails some form of alternate remedy.
\par 
\par Despite receiving this trade dispute and acknowledging it, the Defendant through its Board and in particular its Chief Executive Officer are pressing on with the internal employment initiative and choosing to ignore the trade dispute.
\par 
\par In that regard it is deposed that the defendant has indicated it will implement the Job Evaluation Review Project on the 22nd}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  of July next.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 The Law
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 In general it can be said that an injunction will not usually be granted without notice but if the Court is satisfied that the
 delay caused by proceeding in the ordinary way might entail irreparable or serious mischief,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 it can make a temporary Ex}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 parte Order upon such terms that it thinks just (refer Halsbury volume 24 para. 963).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 This general principle overlays the approach by the Courts to injunctions generally.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 These principles were clearly expressed and have been adopted in Fiji and other jurisdictions in the well worn case of }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 American Cyanamid Co v Ethacon Limited Case}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196  [1975] AC 396, 405, 406.
\par 
\par The test being:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 1.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid264240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 whether there is a serious question to be tried in the proceeding; and}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlcont\ilvl0\ls0\pnrnot0\pndec }\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 
\par {\pntext\pard\plain\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 \hich\af0\dbch\af0\loch\f0 2.\tab}}\pard \ql \fi-720\li1440\ri0\widctlpar{\*\pn \pnlvlbody\ilvl0\ls1\pnrnot0\pndec\pnstart1\pnindent360\pnsp120\pnhang {\pntxta .}}
\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\ls1\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid264240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 where the balance of convenience lies.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 
\par As far as whether there is a serious question to be tried I find there is.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 In that regard the decision of }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 N. McKay Electrical (Whangarei) Limited v Hinton}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196  [19
96] 1 ER NZ 501 is of assistance because of its policy statement.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 
The Court of Appeal granted an interim injunction preventing an electrician from carrying out work for which his employer had submitted a tender.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 Although the facts don\rquote t apply the policy does.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 
It was specifically noted that as a matter of policy, the Courts should do what they can to strengthen employment relationships and encourage both parties to observe the rules.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 Injunctive relief was granted on the basis that if it were withheld the emp
loyer had an uncertain claim for damages and a hearing months away, further there was little to discourage the employee\rquote s infidelity.
\par 
\par As for where the balance of convenience lies in every case the Judge has finally to stand back and ask himself this quest
ion and if he has found the balance of convenience overwhelmingly or very clearly one way, it would usually be right to be guided accordingly.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 Decision
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 I find there is a serious question to be tried.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 
As a matter of policy the Courts must do what they can to strengthen employment relationships and encourage both parties to observe rules.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 There is a statutory framework for the resolution of trade disputes.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 When a dispute is notified the parties are obliged to follow the stipulated procedures and not engage in tactics to usurp that ADR process by abusing their privilege of power.
\par 
\par In my view, the balance of convenience clearly favours the Union and its members.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 
All they want is for the trade dispute process to follow its usual path and for the status quo to be preserved in the interim.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 
That is a reasonable request to make.
\par 
\par I further find that the plaintiff applicant is justified in bringing this application on an ex}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 parte basis.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 There is clearly}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 urgency and I am satisfied that any delay caused by proceeding i
n the ordinary way will entail the Union and its members suffering irreparable and serious mischief as the defendant employer presses on with an initiative that might clearly have as its ultimate aim the restructuring, redeployment or redundancy of staff.
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 
A consensus approach will inevitably result in a more acceptable and durable result and accordingly the trade dispute process must be allowed to run its course.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 Conclusion
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 Accordingly for the reasons expressed, I granted the ex}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 
parte application on the following terms:
\par 
\par An Injunction restraining the Defendant by itself and or through its servants and or agents and or howsoever from proceeding any further with the recruitment of the 13 National Managers as advertised in the Fiji Times of 19th June, 2004 or
 in any manner whatsoever implementing the Job Evaluation Review Project without the agreement of the Plaintiff until the completion and finalization of the Trade Dispute filed by the Plaintiff}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240 
 on the 22nd day of June, 2004.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 
\par 
\par I reserve leave for either party to return to Court after the 19th of July, 2004 on 48 hours notice for any urgent or further directions.
\par 
\par The matter is adjourned for further mention at }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 9.30am on the 6th of August, 2004.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 
\par Costs are reserved in the cause.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid13136196 Gerard Winter
\par }{\b\fs24\ul\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 JUDGE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid264240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid264240\charrsid9919682 
\par At Suva
\par 8th July, 2004}{\insrsid4019909 
\par }}