Quick action by the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Maciu Nalumisa averted what could have been a prolonged protest by Ba Town Council workers. Thirty-four BTC General Workers Union members stopped work yesterday and protested at the Ba Municipal Market yesterday. The workers wanted the removal of the Ba Town Council acting chief executive officer, Moshim Khan. Union industrial relations officer, Satish Chandra said they wanted Government to intervene. “These employees cannot continue to work with this kind of leadership, not in a threatening way, but in a better way. We have been talking to him about this, and he doesn’t want to listen,” Mr Chandra said. “His group came and wanted to discuss things with us, but we told them that it is no use because it will not resolve anything. It is better for us to get the ministry involved so that we reach an agreement.” Union assistant president Vuate Drole said if Mr Khan was not removed, they would continue to protest. “If this is not resolved, or if he is still in that position, we will continue with the strike,” he said. Mr Khan referred media comments to BTC special administrator, Yogesh Naidu. Mr Naidu said they weren’t aware and had not received a complaint from any staff member in regard to the allegation. “The only thing they say is that they didn’t want the current acting CEO, so we await the minister to resolve this issue,” Mr Naidu said. Mr Nalumisa arrived in Ba at 5pm yesterday. He resolved concerns raised by council workers of Ba Town Council. Key issues have been addressed and other matters that were highlighted will be addressed by the new council acting CEO. Under the directive of Mr Nalumisa, a new acting CEO would be appointed effective from today, February 27. Protest action Union industrial relations officer, Satish Chandra, stated that they did not wish to engage in further discussions with the council board, but requested government’s involvement. “This guy continues harassing the employees, cuts their wages, and reduces rates without considering the staff,” Mr Chandra said. “They cannot continue to work under his leadership. We have tried talking to him about these issues, but he refuses to listen. “His team came to us wanting to discuss the matter, but we told them it would not resolve anything. It is better for us to involve the ministry to reach a resolution.” Union assistant president and staff member, Vuate Drole, also stated that the strike would continue unless Mr Khan is removed from his position. mereleki.nai@fijisun.com.fj