THE Fiji Sugar Corporation is investigating allegations that lorry drivers were victimised by senior mill management at Labasa.
The Vanua Levu Cane Farmers Milling Transport Union collected about 200 signatures of lorry owners who demanded the removal of several FSC staff within seven days from July 26.
In a letter dated July 26 addressed to the FSC chief executive, union president Umesh Chand claimed lorry drivers were victimised after the union lodged complaints against the mill and the slow unloading of cane.
FSC public relations officer Samu Railoa confirmed FSC would investigate issues raised in the letter.
"The union might like to note that since 25/7/10, Labasa mill has been experiencing cane supply shortages and it would do itself, the cane growers and the miller a lot of good by focusing on boosting the supply of cane from the field to the mill, instead of trying to dictate terms on operational matters in the factory," Mr Railoa said.
"May I inform you that the staff have introduced the checking of trash in cane," Mr Chand stated in the letter. "You are aware that cutters are having a lot of difficulty in having the cane properly cleaned as it has been badly damaged by Cyclone Tomas.
"The mill manager mentioned to drivers that they introduced this measure because of the letter of complaint.
"I view this as the manager trying to victimise the drivers for speaking against him. This is through letters written on July 9, July 13, July 21, July 23 forwarded to you.
"There are many more instances of personal abuse which the drivers have failed to report."
Mr Chand further warned the mill that refusal to comply with their demands would result in lorry drivers' refusal to cart cane to the mill.