{\rtf1\ansi\ansicpg1252\uc1\deff0\stshfdbch0\stshfloch0\stshfhich0\stshfbi0\deflang1033\deflangfe1033{\fonttbl{\f0\froman\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 02020603050405020304}Times New Roman{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f35\fswiss\fcharset0\fprq2{\*\panose 020b0604030504040204}Tahoma;}{\f65\froman\fcharset238\fprq2 Times New Roman CE{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f66\froman\fcharset204\fprq2 Times New Roman Cyr{\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f68\froman\fcharset161\fprq2 Times New Roman Greek{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f69\froman\fcharset162\fprq2 Times New Roman Tur{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f70\froman\fcharset177\fprq2 Times New Roman (Hebrew){\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f71\froman\fcharset178\fprq2 Times New Roman (Arabic){\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f72\froman\fcharset186\fprq2 Times New Roman Baltic{\*\falt Times New Roman};}{\f73\froman\fcharset163\fprq2 Times New Roman (Vietnamese){\*\falt Times New Roman};}
{\f415\fswiss\fcharset238\fprq2 Tahoma CE;}{\f416\fswiss\fcharset204\fprq2 Tahoma Cyr;}{\f418\fswiss\fcharset161\fprq2 Tahoma Greek;}{\f419\fswiss\fcharset162\fprq2 Tahoma Tur;}{\f420\fswiss\fcharset177\fprq2 Tahoma (Hebrew);}
{\f421\fswiss\fcharset178\fprq2 Tahoma (Arabic);}{\f422\fswiss\fcharset186\fprq2 Tahoma Baltic;}{\f423\fswiss\fcharset163\fprq2 Tahoma (Vietnamese);}{\f424\fswiss\fcharset222\fprq2 Tahoma (Thai);}}{\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\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \snext0 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;}{\s15\ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0 
\f35\fs16\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext15 \ssemihidden Balloon Text;}{\s16\ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 \sbasedon0 \snext16 Style 1;}}
{\*\latentstyles\lsdstimax156\lsdlockeddef0}{\*\rsidtbl \rsid9159\rsid537277\rsid746188\rsid1452979\rsid1582412\rsid2582010\rsid2976178\rsid3242815\rsid3359434\rsid3943445\rsid4087879\rsid4276877\rsid4283446\rsid4934432\rsid5969649\rsid6907827\rsid7025568
\rsid7288136\rsid8140703\rsid8796937\rsid8981409\rsid9140668\rsid10814296\rsid11538833\rsid11556076\rsid11797449\rsid12263243\rsid12525794\rsid12984884\rsid14363757\rsid14422107\rsid14699760\rsid14900560\rsid15537742\rsid15695554\rsid16261131}
{\*\generator Microsoft Word 11.0.5604;}{\info{\author Teniau_D}{\operator blake_r}{\creatim\yr2009\mo9\dy14\hr11\min23}{\revtim\yr2010\mo4\dy6\hr16\min5}{\version29}{\edmins142}{\nofpages3}{\nofwords1178}{\nofchars6718}{\*\company scims}{\nofcharsws7881}
{\vern24689}}\paperw11907\paperh16840\margl0\margr0\margt0\margb0 \widowctrl\ftnbj\aenddoc\noxlattoyen\expshrtn\noultrlspc\dntblnsbdb\nospaceforul\subfontbysize\hyphcaps0\formshade\horzdoc\dghspace120\dgvspace120\dghorigin1701\dgvorigin1984\dghshow0
\dgvshow3\jcompress\viewkind4\viewscale100\pgbrdrhead\pgbrdrfoot\nolnhtadjtbl\rsidroot10814296 \fet0\sectd \psz9\linex0\sectdefaultcl\sectrsid11797449\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 \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4087879 \fs20\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 [2000] 2 FLR 12

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4276877 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4276877\charrsid4276877 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14699760 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11797449\charrsid4087879 IN THE }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 HIGH COURT OF FIJI}{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10814296 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14699760 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 STATE
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10814296 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14699760 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 v
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10814296 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14699760 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 ARBITRATION TRIBUNAL
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 ex parte}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879  SUVA CITY COUNCIL STAFF ASSOCIATION
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10814296 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8140703\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 High Cou}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12984884\charrsid4087879 rt}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11797449\charrsid4087879  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 Judicial Review Jurisdiction
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 Scott, J
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 30 March, 2000
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12263243\charrsid4087879 HBJ}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 14}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4087879 /}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 99S
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 Judicial review}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879  - whether Permanent Arbitrator's}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879  award overlooked equality provisions of the 1997 Constitution - Constitution section 33(2);}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879  Tr
ade Disputes Act (Cap 97) s 6}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 The question for determination before the Pe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 rmanent Arbitrator was whether 6}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879  month
s notice of termination of 8 staff under collective agreement who had reached age 50 was unjustified and wrong and should be withdrawn. The applicant argued in Court that clause 19(ii) of the collective agreement was unlawful by virtue of Constitution sec
tion 38 but this point was not advanced before the Permanent Arbitrator. The Court found no fault in the Permanent Arbitrator's reasons and conclusion in the award, which were open to him on the submissions.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 Held}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 - (1)}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 It is a reasonable view that a collec
tive agreement is capable of removing the element of unfairness from an age differentiation in Fiji.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 (2) As the Constitution section 38 argument was not placed before the Permanent Arbitrator, it is too late to raise it}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879  in judicial review proceedings.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 Judicial Review proceedings fail.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 Cases referred to in judgment
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7025568\charrsid4087879 d}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 ist }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 Dickason v Uni}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 versity of Alberta}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879  [1992] 2 SCR
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7025568\charrsid4087879 c}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 ons }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 Praveen Prakash}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879  Palani v FEA}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879  - FCA Reps }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7025568\charrsid4087879 97/}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 271
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7025568\charrsid4087879 r}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 ef}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879  }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 SCC v Suva City Council Staff}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879  }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 
Association}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879  JR 3}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid12263243\charrsid4087879 /}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 89
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 Josep}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 h K Maharaj for the applicant
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 Subhas}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879  Parshotam}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879  for the respondent

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 
\par 30 March, 2000.
\par 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid746188 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10814296 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 Scott, J
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 Pursuant to leave granted by Pathik J on 14 May 1999 the Applicant moves for Judicial Review of an award of the Permanent Arbi}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 trator made on 18 February 1999.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 The award (7}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3943445\charrsid4087879 /}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 
1999) was but one of a series of awards arising out of decisions of the Suva City Council (SCC}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1452979\charrsid4087879 )}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 
 to terminate the employment of members of its workforce Four other awards of the Arbitrator involving similar or related subject}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 matter and dated 24 November 1988, 18 February 1999, 14 March 1999 and 16 September 1999 were drawn to my attention.
\par 
\par At its meeting in November 1997 the SCC, finding itself in serious financial difficulties decided to reduce the number of its staff by invoking clause 19(ii) of its coll
ective agreement with the Applicant. It gave six months notice of termination of employment to eight of its staff who had by then reached the age of 50. Clause 19 is set out in full on pages 73 and 74 of the proceedings before the Permanent Arbitrator. Th
e Applicant was unhappy with the SCC's decision and in due course a trade dispute was referred to the Arbitration Tribunal for settlement. As appears from pages 72 and 73 of the record the sole question before the Tribunal was whether the SCC:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid746188 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 "In giving 6
 months notice to retire the above named officers (was) wrong and unjustified and the notices should be withdrawn."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10814296 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 The applicant advanced a number of arguments before the Permanent Arbitrator. The main questions raised were whether the SCC had a right un
der the collective agreement unilaterally and without prior consultation to invoke clause 19(ii) and whether an agreement reached between the SCC and the Applicant in 1990 affected the terms of the clause.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid746188\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 The Permanent Arbitrator noted that there had been a previous award by the former Permanent Arbitrator interpreting clause 19(}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6907827\charrsid4087879 ii}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 ) in favour of the SCC and that that award had been left undisturbed by the High Court (see }{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 Suva City Council v Suva City Council Staff Association}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid16261131  - JR 3/}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 89). The Permanent Arb
itrator also ruled that the 1990 Agreement did not qualify clause 19(ii) but was a specific agreement exclusive to the eight employees which it covered. The Permanent Arbitrator's reasons for reaching his conclusions are clearly set out on }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 pages 76 and 77 of the record. I can find no}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879  f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 a}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 u}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 lt with}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879  them}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 
The main thrust of Mr Maharaj's submissions before this Court (written copies of which were filed on 29 October and 22 November) was that the Permanent Arbitrator's award overlooked Section 38 of the Constitut
ion of the Fiji Islands 1997. This is the equality section the relevant parts of which read as follows:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4276877 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 "}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4276877 Equality}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10814296 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9159 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 38 - (1) Every person has the right to equality before the law}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8140703\charrsid4087879 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10814296 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9159 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 (2) A person must not be unfairly discriminated against, directly or indirec}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 tly on the ground of his or her:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9159 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid9159 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 (a) age..."
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid10814296 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 Mr Maharaj's argument was simply that clause 19(ii) of the collective agreement between the SCC and the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 Applicant is unlawful by virtue of Section 38.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 
On 28 July 1999 when the matter first came before me I called for written submissions on this ground. Mr Maharaj filed on 22 November and Mr Parshotam filed his answer on 17 March. Mr Maharaj argued his case with considerable skill and c
onviction while the very complicated possible consequences of introducing section 38 into the argument are set out with admirable clarity on pages 11 to 26 of Mr Parshotam's paper.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 At this stage some essential aspects of the law of employment in Fiji as it presently exists must }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15537742\charrsid4087879 b}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 e remembered.
\par 
\par First, there is no statutory law of unfair dismissal in Fiji as such. There is, for example, no equivalent to the English Trade Unions and Labour Relations Act 1974. The primary legislation is still the Employment Act (Cap 92) although}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 section 33(2) of the Constitution guarantees the }{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 "right to f}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 ai}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid4934432\charrsid4087879 r labour practices}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 "}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 . Whether the two are in any way in conflict has not been judicially considered.
\par 
\par Secondly, the procedure for referring trade disputes such as the present dispute to the Arbitration Tribunal is that set out in section }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2976178\charrsid4087879 6}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879  of the Trade Disputes Act (Cap 97) and is not at all the same as the procedure for establishing whether a dismissal is unfair such as is contained in the 1974 English Act.
\par 
\par Thirdly, the procedural rules of natural justice do not generally apply to the private employer/employee relationship and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3242815\charrsid4087879 J}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 udicial Review is not available to review decisions taken in that context (see e}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 .}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 g}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 . }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 Pravee}{
\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1582412\charrsid4087879 n}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879  Prakash Pal}{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 ani v FEA }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 - F}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8140703\charrsid4087879 C}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 A}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879  Reps 97/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 271).
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 The Arbitrator's terms of reference which wer}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid537277\charrsid4087879 e presumably either drafted by}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879  the Applicant or the Permanent Secretary for Labour have already been noted. They are somewhat imprecise but seem to advance a breach of the collective agreement rather than a gene
ral allegation of unfairness. Section 38 of the 1997 Constitution is not mentioned and was not invoked before the Permanent Arbitrator at any stage. Whether or not the collective agreement between the SCC and the Applicant is "a law" for the purposes of s
ection 38 was neither raised nor considered. No inquiry, as would be essential to determine whether this particular}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 
age delimitation was an unfair form of discrimination, was called for from the Arbitrator or held. Whether in Fiji's circumstances a collecti
ve agreement is capable of removing the element of unfairness from an age differentiation, as has been held to be the case in Canada (see e.g. }{\b\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 Dickason v University of Alberta}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879  [1992]}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879  2 SCR) was not a question upon which in this reference the Permanent Arbi
trator was called to rule. It is however, clear from previou}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 sly published awards including }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 two of tho}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15695554\charrsid4087879 se already referred to namely 1}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 
0 and 36 of 1999 that the Permanent Arbitrator's view is that it may. That view is in my opinion entirely reasonable}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 The q
uestion of section 38 was never specifically placed before the Permanent Arbitrator for his ruling and it seems to me that it is much too late to raise it now in Judicial Review proceedings. The Permanent Arbitrator reached a conclusion as to whether the 
S
uva City Council had breached the terms of the collective agreement which was the question before him for decision. In my view the conclusion which he reached was reasonably open to him I can find no fault in his approach. In my respectful opinion he hand
led the arbitration impeccably. The motion }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7288136\charrsid4087879 f}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 or Judicial Review fails and is dis}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 m}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 iss}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 e}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4087879 d.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid4276877 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9159\charrsid4087879 Application dismissed.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11556076\charrsid4276877 
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid14363757 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10814296\charrsid4276877 Marie Chan
\par }}