The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) has expressed serious concerns regarding the upcoming nationwide public consultations on two significant pieces of legislation, namely the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024. Scheduled to occur between January 8 and January 17, the FCEF describes the time allocated for these consultations as insufficient.
Chief Executive Edward Bernard highlighted that the lack of access to the drafts of the Bills would hinder meaningful engagement from the public, workers, and businesses, ultimately affecting investor confidence and job prospects. In a letter to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity & Workplace Relations (MEPWR), Bernard advocated for postponing these consultations to early February 2025. He emphasized the importance of transparency and adequate preparation for stakeholders to engage effectively in the process.
Bernard pointed out that the mere three hours designated for each city and town simply does not allow enough time for municipal business networks to adequately represent their members. He added that many businesses in the affected Western Division, still reeling from recent flooding, would struggle to provide timely submissions.
Moreover, while the FCEF commended the Ministry’s initiative to conduct national consultations, they were troubled by the fact that the Work Care Bill 2024 had not been discussed at the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB). As a member of the ERAB, Bernard asserted that employers have not been afforded the opportunity to review the Bill, leading to concerns about its implications on the existing Employment Relations Act review.
The FCEF has urged that the Work Care Bill 2024 be withdrawn until the draft is shared for broader discussion at the next ERAB meeting. This call indicates a desire for a more inclusive approach to legislative changes that affect the workforce and businesses.
In a positive light, this situation highlights the importance of collaborative dialogue between the government and employers, which can ultimately lead to robust legislative outcomes that benefit the workforce and business environment. By delaying these consultations, stakeholders can engage more thoroughly and thoughtfully, fostering a sense of trust and cooperation moving forward.
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