The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) has raised alarms over the brief consultation period proposed by the government for two pivotal legislations: the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024. The public consultations are scheduled to take place from January 8 to January 17, 2025, a timeframe FCEF considers “unrealistic.”

In a statement made by CEO Edward Bernard, he emphasized the necessity of extending the consultation period to early February 2025, arguing that this would promote transparency and allow sufficient time for the public, workers, and businesses to effectively engage. Bernard pointed out that much of the business community, especially those in the flood-affected Western Division, are still recovering from recent disasters and may struggle to be adequately prepared during this post-festival period.

The organization’s concern is further heightened by the lack of available draft Bills for public review, which could significantly undermine productive engagement and dissuade potential investors. Bernard expressed that the three-hour slots allocated for consultations in various cities are insufficient for comprehensive representation, particularly given the complexities involved in these significant pieces of legislation.

Additionally, he addressed the absence of discussion surrounding the Work Care Bill 2024 within the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB), highlighting the need for inclusive discussions among all stakeholders before any legal changes are enacted.

The FCEF’s push for more time and better communication signifies a pivotal moment in policymaking in Fiji, wherein fostering a collaborative dialogue could yield outcomes that serve both workers and businesses effectively. This period of reflection and negotiation is crucial as it strives to navigate the intricacies of labor legislation in a manner that acknowledges the conditions currently faced by many Fijian businesses.

This situation not only emphasizes the importance of thorough consultations but offers a hopeful perspective that constructive engagement among government and business sectors can lead to the formulation of laws that genuinely reflect the needs of the workforce and investors.

In summary, the FCEF is advocating for a delay in the public consultations concerning the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024 to ensure that all stakeholders have adequate preparation time and can meaningfully participate in shaping legislation that affects their communities.