The earliest origins and suppression of trade unionism in the Fiji Islands

Abstract

This paper examines the earliest example of trade union activity in Fiji canvassing both the origins and suppression. The style of colonial government, especially when the status quo is threatened, the relationship between commercial interests and colonial officials and government, and the extent to which colonial governments of the time were prepared to infringe on individual rights in pursuit of "law and order" and the exercise of "paternal rights", are examined within the context of the events surrounding the emergence and control of labour unrest.