The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) has expressed significant concerns regarding the upcoming public consultations for the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024, set to take place from January 8 to 17, 2025. The FCEF is particularly worried about the tight schedule for submissions and the absence of access to the draft Bills, deeming the consultations impractical.
FCEF’s CEO, Edward Bernard, has officially requested that the Ministry of Employment postpone these consultations until February 2025 and make the draft Bills available. This, he argues, would enable businesses and workers to adequately prepare for discussions. Bernard further criticized the limited three-hour time frame allocated for each city and town, which he believes is insufficient for comprehensive representation.
In addition, Bernard highlighted that the Work Care Bill 2024 has not gone through discussions with the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB), advocating for its withdrawal until a more in-depth consultation process can occur with relevant stakeholders.
This situation underscores the importance of thorough stakeholder engagement in legislative processes to ensure that the voices of both businesses and employees are heard. A hopeful outlook suggests that with FCEF’s proactive stance, there is a potential for a more inclusive dialogue that could lead to better outcomes for all parties involved. It is vital for the Ministry of Employment to consider these recommendations to facilitate a constructive and comprehensive consultation process.
Leave a comment