An increasing number of business leaders are voicing support for tourism leader Fantasha Lockington’s earlier call for transparency in the development of laws pertaining to employment. Concerns have arisen regarding the draft Employment Relations Bill, reminiscent of similar complaints expressed by business leaders two years ago, when SunBiz first highlighted these issues.
Recent modifications to the draft have intensified worries regarding the lack of consultation with business owners and their representatives during its creation, as pointed out by Mrs. Lockington. The ongoing challenge led by the CEO of the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association has exposed what is perceived as an effort to undermine business leaders’ voices within the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation.
“We received a draft Bill unexpectedly yesterday afternoon (Monday, October 15) that includes new provisions,” Mrs. Lockington stated regarding the latest fourth draft. “The entire procedure should be based on consultation, rather than merely accepting submissions. It is unlikely that our input would matter since they already had a draft prepared.”
Mrs. Lockington criticized the lack of willingness to engage in meaningful discussions about each amendment.
In a bold stance, Mrs. Lockington is continuing the conversation more than two years after manufacturer Mike Towler raised similar concerns. Towler commented from Australia, expressing that “it is the ministry that has been procrastinating, not the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation.”
He questioned why Mrs. Lockington was publically addressing this issue if the delay was due to the Federation’s actions, arguing that the government has failed to rectify the unlawful procedures concerning increases in the national minimum wage and sectoral wage council adjustments.
In response, the Employment Ministry stated its commitment to promoting good-faith dialogue regarding a review of the Employment Relations Act. Minister Agni Deo Singh emphasized that the ministry has been engaging with its tripartite partners — Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation and Fiji Trades Union Congress — in this review, adhering to International Labour Organisation standards.
However, Mr. Towler criticized the ministry’s approach, insisting it is the Employment Ministry that has acted in bad faith. Neither Minister Singh nor media liaison officer Elina Vuniwa were available for comment due to their absence from the country.
Furthermore, Mr. Towler expressed concern regarding the ministry’s efficacy in managing the proposed Employment Relations Act. He urged Minister Singh to separate himself from his union background, stating, “He is no longer a union representative but a minister who should behave accordingly. It may be time for him to resign or be replaced by someone more capable.”