The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) has raised serious concerns regarding the Employment Ministry’s recent actions, accusing it of bypassing established legal protocols by allowing the Chairperson of the Wages Council, Govind Singh, to conduct independent consultations with employers. According to FCEF Chief Executive Officer Edward Bernard, this practice is in direct violation of Fiji’s Employment Relations Act and international labor standards, which mandate tripartite decision-making that includes government, employers, and workers.
Bernard has stated that the federation had coordinated its own structured consultations aimed at formulating a collective proposal to present to the Wages Council. He expressed his astonishment that while the Ministry solicited input from FCEF, it simultaneously initiated its outreach efforts to engage directly with businesses without their prior knowledge.
In the same week that submissions were requested from FCEF, the Employment Minister, Agni Deo Singh, along with other officials, reportedly held meetings with various businesses and chambers of commerce. This concurrent engagement has created confusion and concern among employers about the legitimacy of the Wages Council’s authority, as highlighted by Bernard’s insistence that the council should operate collectively according to the law.
Bernard emphasized that the chairperson’s unilateral actions not only exceed what’s allowed under Fiji’s labor laws but also undermine the principles outlined by the International Labour Organization (ILO), which are designed to facilitate fair labor practices. This situation highlights a broader trend of dissatisfaction among business leaders about transparency and inclusive dialogue in legislative processes — a concern echoed by previous statements from leaders like Fantasha Lockington regarding the Employment Relations Bill.
As discussions about labor laws advance, the FCEF urges the government to adhere to proper consultation practices to avoid further confusion and to foster a collaborative approach that respects the roles and rights of all stakeholders involved. The federation appears willing to engage constructively with the government to reshape labor laws in a manner that benefits both workers’ rights and the economic viability of businesses in Fiji.
This developing situation presents an opportunity for a more integrated dialogue between the government and business representatives, potentially leading to reforms that balance the interests of all parties, contributing to a healthier business ecosystem in Fiji.
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