Concerns have been voiced regarding the alleged tactics employed by employers to delay amendments to the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024. The Construction, Energy and Timber Workers Union of Fiji (CETWUF) argues that for the past 16 years, employers have remained silent on changes to labor laws that favored their interests under the previous government.
Union national secretary, John Paul, highlighted that now, when amendments aimed at enhancing workers’ rights are proposed by the current government, employers are expressing dissatisfaction. He stressed that the complaints appear to come from those employers who have habitually neglected compliance and have failed to provide their employees with rightful entitlements.
Paul noted the struggle many workers face in making ends meet, often living paycheck to paycheck, and emphasized that concerns over hefty fines included in the amendments reflect a deeper issue. He argued that employers who adhere to the law should not fear these changes; rather, those who are in violation would likely oppose the amendments due to the potential consequences they may face.
CETWUF firmly believes that these amendments are crucial for safeguarding workers’ rights, promoting a safe and healthy work environment, and ensuring equitable labor practices.
Overall, this situation underscores the ongoing dialogue about workers’ rights in Fiji and the importance of fair labor practices. The proposed amendments could help alleviate the challenges faced by workers, providing them with greater protections and ensuring more substantial accountability for employers who neglect their responsibilities.
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