The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) has expressed serious concerns regarding the forthcoming nationwide public consultations for the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024, taking place from January 8 to 17, 2025. FCEF has criticized the tight schedule for submissions and the unavailability of the draft Bills, claiming these factors render the consultations impractical.
FCEF’s CEO, Edward Bernard, has called on the Ministry of Employment to postpone the consultations to February 2025. He advocates for the release of the draft Bills to enable businesses and workers to adequately prepare for discussions. Additionally, he pointed out the inadequacy of the three-hour time slot allocated for each city and town, suggesting that this limited timeframe does not allow for meaningful representation and input from the affected parties.
Bernard has also raised concerns regarding the Work Care Bill 2024, noting that it has not been debated by the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB). He has therefore urged the withdrawal of the Bill until further consultations with stakeholders can take place.
This situation highlights the importance of involving all relevant parties in discussions about employment laws to ensure that they reflect the needs and realities of businesses and workers alike. Postponing the consultations could lead to more constructive engagement and better outcomes for everyone involved.
Summary: The FCEF is calling for a postponement of public consultations on key employment laws due to a tight schedule and lack of access to draft documents. The CEO urges more time for proper stakeholder input to create effective legislation.
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