A recent public consultation in Nadi regarding amendments to the Employment Relations Act 2007 (ERA) has sparked considerable discourse about proposed increases in penalties for sexual harassment and other forms of harassment. The consultation, organized by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, aimed to gather feedback from a diverse group of attendees, including workers, employers, trade union representatives, and various stakeholders.

Minister Agni Deo Singh, along with Acting Permanent Secretary Atish Kumar, addressed the attendees, outlining crucial proposed changes to the ERA. Notably, Kumar emphasized a substantial revision in the penalties related to harassment, focusing particularly on increasing the fines imposed for such violations.

Under the proposed changes, fines for sexual harassment could escalate to $50,000 for individuals and reach as high as $200,000 for corporations. Additionally, other forms of harassment could attract maximum fines of $40,000 for individuals and similar penalties for corporations, with the possibility of up to three years imprisonment for serious offenses.

This consultation is part of an ongoing comprehensive review of the ERA intended to align with international labor standards, particularly those set forth by the International Labour Organisation (ILO). The review process involves contributions from independent ILO consultants who have been developing a detailed ERA matrix highlighting proposed amendments.

Throughout this process, stakeholders have the opportunity to voice their opinions and influence changes that aim to enhance workplace protections and accountability in Fiji, promoting a healthier and safer work environment.

Acknowledging the importance of public dialogue, the consultation not only reflects an effort to amend the law in line with global standards but also emphasizes Fiji’s commitment to improving workplace conditions for all employees. It presents a hopeful outlook where continuous discussions could lead to reforms that effectively protect workers’ rights while fostering a cooperative atmosphere between employers and employees.

In light of this dialogue, it is vital that all parties engage constructively to ensure that the amendments serve their intended purpose of safeguarding against harassment without imposing undue burdens on businesses, thus striving for a balanced approach that benefits both labor and the economy.