The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) has expressed concerns regarding the upcoming nationwide public consultation for the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024, highlighting the limited timeframe for public submissions as unrealistic. Scheduled from January 8 to January 17, the consultations are set to take place shortly after the festive season, a time when businesses are just reopening.
FCEF’s Chief Executive Edward Bernard criticized the three-hour slots allocated for each city and town, arguing that such a brief period does not allow municipal business networks to efficiently represent their members. He emphasized the need for more time, particularly given that many businesses in the Western Division are still recovering from recent floods. Bernard pointed out that the rushed nature of these consultations could adversely affect not only workers and businesses but also government employers, investors, and future workforce opportunities.
Bernard also raised the issue of transparency, urging the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity & Workplace Relations to postpone the consultations until early February 2025 and to release the draft Bills. This would enable the public, workers, and businesses to adequately prepare for participation. He noted that the Work Care Bill 2024 has not yet been discussed at the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB), and emphasized the importance of including employers in these discussions to understand the Bill’s implications.
In a positive light, this situation represents an opportunity for the FCEF to engage in meaningful negotiations with the government. By advocating for more time and transparency, there is a chance to foster a collaborative atmosphere where all stakeholders can contribute to the creation of legislation that benefits the workforce and business environment in Fiji.
In summary, the FCEF is urging for an extension of the consultation period for the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024 to ensure adequate public participation and transparency in the legislative process.
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