The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) has announced its intent to directly address the Parliamentary Standing Committee to contest the recently introduced Employment Relations Bill. This decision comes after FCEF expressed its concerns to the Minister for Employment, Productivity & Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh, urging him to send the draft law back to the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB) for further review.
FCEF CEO Edward Bernard explained that the federation has been clear about its position since April, noting that the draft Bill includes provisions potentially detrimental to job opportunities, business viability, investor confidence, and overall economic growth. Bernard remarked that the consultation process was inadequate, as it only featured one meeting of the ERAB on March 5, 2025, following the conclusion of public consultations.
He pointed out that they received the extensive 188-page Bill and the Solicitor-General’s review way too late, leading to minimal time to analyze its impacts before it progressed to Parliament. Bernard further stated that FCEF had requested the Bill be reassessed by the ERAB after its review so that all stakeholders could have a comprehensive understanding before it moved forward, but they did not see this happen, marking a significant oversight.
In the broader context, the FCEF’s ongoing advocacy around labor laws aligns with its previous critiques of amendments to the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024. It highlights the federation’s commitment to ensuring that new laws reflect the realities faced by businesses and consider the impacts on micro, small, and medium enterprises.
This scenario emphasizes the importance of open dialogue and genuine collaboration between the government and employers. By engaging in constructive discussions, there remains a possibility for legislative changes that balance worker protection with business sustainability, ultimately fostering a healthier economic environment in Fiji. There is hope that the upcoming interactions with the parliamentary committee will lead to amendments that better accommodate the needs of all stakeholders involved.
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