Family retailers push for flexibility in Fiji’s youth-work reforms

The Suva Retailers Association has expressed its backing for the employment protections for young workers included in the proposed Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill. However, the association is advocating for greater flexibility to cater to the needs of family-run businesses.

During recent submissions to the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, Association President Jitesh Patel addressed key amendments aimed at raising the minimum working age from 15 to 16 years. He emphasized the importance of recognizing the role of children in family-owned retail businesses, where they often assist under parental supervision.

Patel suggested a framework where children could be employed with parental consent, proposing that a parent could formally authorize their child’s employment through a written letter. He reaffirmed that while compliance with wage regulations is crucial, the system should allow for this unique flexibility. “Children should be allowed to be employed through parental consent, and they must be compensated according to the existing wage regulations,” Patel stated, reinforcing that fair wages should be upheld and not fall below current standards of $5.50.

In addition to discussing age restrictions, Patel also highlighted the implications of provisions that would permit those aged 16 and older to join trade unions. He pointed out that the retail sector is typically not heavily unionized, with wage negotiations usually occurring directly between employers and their staff. He noted that wages in this sector frequently surpass the minimum wage, influenced by factors such as experience, skills, and customer service performance.

The Suva Retailers Association reiterated its commitment to safeguarding workers’ rights while urging lawmakers to craft practical and culturally sensitive solutions that reflect the operational realities of family-owned businesses in Fiji. This position emphasizes an approach that balances necessary protections for young workers with the essential role that family-run businesses play in the country’s economy.