The Fiji-Australia Business Council (FABC) has expressed serious concerns regarding the proposed amendments to the Employment Relations Act (ERA), urging the government to engage in constructive dialogue with all stakeholders involved. The FABC argues that the proposed changes could disrupt the economic progress made by businesses since the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially deterring investment and hindering growth.

In a statement by FABC President Himesh Chandra, he highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating that the amendments could impose substantial fines of up to $100,000 for individuals and $1,000,000 for companies, along with potential prison sentences of up to five years. These provisions, he mentioned, seem to undermine the natural negotiation process between employees and employers. Furthermore, a person’s actions concerning harassment could make companies liable if they fail to take reasonable steps to prevent such behaviors.

Chandra’s remarks also pointed to the lack of transparency and insufficient consultation surrounding these legislative changes. He noted that members of the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB) were reportedly made to sign non-disclosure agreements, which raises questions about the openness of the process and the implications of the proposed amendments for various stakeholders, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

FABC emphasized that the initiative needs a truly collaborative approach to incorporate feedback from businesses and to secure a fair workplace environment without stifling post-pandemic recovery. The threats of increased redundancy payments and stringent penalties would negatively impact SMEs, which are crucial to Fiji’s economy, having a significant share of the job market.

Similar voices have been echoed in recent critiques from the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) and the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA). They warn that the legislative changes could disproportionately affect local businesses, leading to potential job losses and undermining the hard-won recovery efforts. A lack of dialogue about these changes could erode trust between employers, employees, and the government.

This situation presents a crucial opportunity for the government to foster an inclusive discussion that balances the interests of business owners and employees. Such dialogue will not only serve as a platform to address the raised concerns but also contribute to a more stable and robust economic environment that benefits all parties.

With ongoing discussions planned to address concerns regarding the proposed amendments, there is hope that a more balanced and fair outcome can be reached, which would ultimately strengthen Fiji’s economic landscape.