The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) has urged the Minister for Employment, Productivity & Workplace Relations to adhere to the tripartite structure of the Wages Councils as mandated by law. This call follows recent Talanoa sessions organized by the Ministry where the Chairperson of the Wages Councils met with various Chambers of Commerce and individual businesses with support from the Minister and the Acting Permanent Secretary.
FCEF’s Chief Executive Edward Bernard expressed surprise that the Ministry requested the submission of proposals from FCEF while direct consultations with employers were ongoing. He highlighted that allowing the Chairperson to act independently breaches the principles of tripartism as outlined in relevant International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions governing Wages Councils. Bernard emphasized that powers and functions should be vested in the Wages Councils as a whole and not delegated to the Chairperson.
This situation echoes a broader concern expressed by other business leaders regarding transparency in the formulation of employment laws, particularly the draft Employment Relations Bill. There have been calls for improvements in consultation processes to ensure diverse voices within the business community are heard and considered.
The FCEF believes that this misalignment in consultation practices has created confusion among employers about the legal operations of the Wages Council. As discussions progress around labor legislation, the importance of inclusive dialogue remains vital for achieving balanced outcomes that can support both workers’ rights and the sustainable growth of businesses in Fiji.
In light of these challenges, there is an opportunity for constructive engagement between the FCEF and the government to reshape labor laws in a way that benefits all stakeholders, fostering a healthier business environment that can contribute to economic stability and growth.
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