Fiji's Nadi airport signs up new workers

About 150 people in Fiji are expected to temporarily fill vacant positions created by the industrial dispute at Air Terminal Services.

The company, known as ATS, provides baggage, catering and engineering services at the Nadi airport.

More than 200 staff have been off work since December the 16th, saying they were locked out for attending a meeting.

ATS said the gathering amounted to illegal strike action.

FBC News reports about 150 ATS positions have been advertised.

ATS Acting chief executive Hare Mani said close to 2000 applications were received and the company began conducting interviews last Friday.

He said potential candidates have been identified and called on to complete medical and police clearances.

Mr Mani said they are expected to begin work next week on three month contracts.

He also said 27 locked out staff have so far opted to return to work.