The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) has raised significant concerns regarding the imminent public consultations for the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024. These consultations are scheduled to run from January 8 to January 17, 2025, a timeframe that FCEF considers both limited and unrealistic.

FCEF Chief Executive Officer Edward Bernard has criticized the brief three-hour slots allocated for each city and town, arguing that such limited time does not allow municipal business networks to adequately represent their members. He highlighted that many businesses in the Western Division are still recovering from recent flooding, making it impractical for them to prepare submissions so soon after the festive season.

In a letter to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity & Workplace Relations, Bernard emphasized the importance of transparency and urged for a postponement of the consultations to early February 2025. This delay would provide the public, workers, and businesses with sufficient time to review and engage meaningfully with the proposed legislation. He also noted that the lack of available draft Bills further impedes effective preparation and participation.

Moreover, Bernard expressed concern that the Work Care Bill 2024 has not yet been discussed within the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB), suggesting that it should be withdrawn until it can undergo appropriate consultation. He strongly advocated for collaboration in the legislative process to ensure that all stakeholders’ voices are heard and considered.

This situation presents an opportunity for a more inclusive approach to policymaking in Fiji. By extending the consultation period and ensuring that draft legislation is available well in advance, the government could facilitate a more constructive dialogue among employers, employees, and other stakeholders. Such collaboration is crucial to shaping effective employment laws that support both workers and businesses in the country.

In summary, the FCEF is actively seeking a more extended consultation period for the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024 to promote transparency and adequate engagement from all affected parties. This emphasizes the need for a more robust legislative process that shares the voices and concerns of those impacted, ultimately contributing to a balanced and effective regulatory framework that benefits the workforce and the economy of Fiji.