The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) has expressed significant concerns regarding the upcoming nationwide public consultations for the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024. Scheduled to take place from January 8 to January 17, the FCEF views the timeframe for submissions as inadequate and unrealistic.
Chief Executive Edward Bernard emphasized that the lack of disclosure concerning the draft bills compromises public engagement and could negatively affect investor confidence and job creation. In a letter to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity & Workplace Relations (MEPWR), Bernard proposed rescheduling the consultations to early February 2025, allowing stakeholders ample time to prepare and contribute constructively.
He emphasized that the three-hour sessions allocated for discussions in each location are not sufficient for businesses to adequately represent their members. The challenges posed by recent flooding in the Western Division further complicate matters, prompting concerns that businesses will struggle to participate appropriately, especially right after the festive season.
While acknowledging the Ministry’s initiative to conduct national consultations, Bernard pointed out that the Work Care Bill 2024 has not undergone necessary discussions within the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB), of which the employers are a tripartite member. They feel excluded from crucial discussions regarding the content of the Bill and its potential implications on the review of the Employment Relations Act.
The FCEF is urging the Permanent Secretary to retract the Work Care Bill 2024 until a draft is shared and open for discussion at the next ERAB meeting.
In summary, the consultation process appears rushed, potentially jeopardizing the valuable input from businesses and the public. A delay could foster a more inclusive dialogue, ultimately resulting in legislation that better serves both workers and employers.
From a hopeful standpoint, this situation presents an opportunity for the Ministry to revisit its engagement strategies, fostering a collaborative approach that could strengthen employer-employee relations, enhance transparency, and bolster confidence within the business community. By prioritizing comprehensive discussions over speed, the government may pave the way for more effective legislation and a healthier economic environment.
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