The Fiji New Zealand Business Council (FNZBC) has voiced strong support for the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation’s (FCEF) request for an extension on the submission deadline concerning the proposed Employment Relations Amendment Bill and the Work Care Bill. FNZBC president James Trusler emphasized the need for stakeholders to fully comprehend the significant changes proposed by these bills and their potential impacts.
Trusler stated, “Our members have indicated that they need more time to consider the Bills, which have only recently been released, in order to provide input before the bills are finalized.” The FNZBC appreciates the government’s openness to stakeholder consultation and urges more time for thorough review to enable comprehensive submissions.
These bills have sparked widespread concern within the private sector, notably due to the expedited manner in which they were brought to public consultation, from January 8 to January 20. During a special session with the FCEF on January 20, the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, overseeing the consultation, faced demands from members to extend the feedback deadline.
Originally set for January 20, the deadline has been extended twice, first to January 24, then to February 10. On January 24, two major private sector organizations, the Association of Banks in Fiji and the Australia-Fiji Business Council, issued statements expressing concern over the severity of proposed fines and penalties in the bills.
FCEF, representing over 400 members from large corporations to small enterprises, has highlighted the necessity for additional time to analyze the bills’ implications. Notably, despite being involved in the two-year amendment process through the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB), FCEF representatives were restricted by non-disclosure agreements that limited discussions on the amendments. The bills were only made available to FCEF members earlier last month.
This call for more time underscores the importance of inclusive and transparent policy-making. As stakeholders work towards understanding the potential impacts of these bills, their active participation could lead to more balanced and effective legislation that benefits both employees and employers in Fiji.
Overall, the engagement from organizations like FNZBC and FCEF exhibits a commitment to ensuring that all voices are heard in the legislative process, ultimately fostering a more equitable workplace environment.
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