Public consultations on the review of the Employment Relations Act (2007) and the Work Care Bill (2024) are currently taking place across major cities in Fiji. These consultations aim to address key issues, reflecting the voices of local business communities and highlighting the challenges faced by the Accident Compensation Commission of Fiji (ACCF). Notably, a staggering 14,000 unresolved cases have been transferred from the ACCF to the Employment Ministry for further action, raising concerns within the business sector.

The consultations began in Levuka and moved to Labasa, where the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations reported that local business owners expressed support for the proposed Work Care Bill. Satish Kumar, the former president of the Labasa Chamber of Commerce, voiced deep concerns regarding the backlog of cases. He emphasized the unfairness faced by businesses that contribute to the compensation levy, only to see their claims remain unresolved.

In response to these challenges, Kumar expressed optimism about the Work Care Bill’s potential to streamline compensation processes: “Once the Bill is enacted, all compensation matters will be appropriately managed by the Ministry of Employment… It’s reassuring that the responsibility does not fall entirely on us as employers.” He noted that employers will primarily be responsible for reporting workplace accidents, with the ministry overseeing the compensation process, utilizing funds from the NTPC Levy.

The Work Care Bill aims to ensure a cohesive framework for workplace and school-related accident compensation, maintaining a “no-fault” compensation scheme while promoting efficient processing services. This proposed legislation will cover employers, employees, and students across Fiji’s diverse environments.

While the consultations move forward, some stakeholders, including the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF), have raised concerns about the limited timeframe and lack of available draft legislation for review. The FCEF is advocating for a postponement of consultations to allow for meaningful participation and feedback from affected parties.

Given these developments, there is hope that the ongoing discussions will lead to a balanced approach in labor regulations that benefit both businesses and the workforce in Fiji. A collaborative dialogue can pave the way for laws that reflect the needs of all stakeholders, ultimately fostering a more robust economic environment in the country.

In summary, the consultations present an essential opportunity for reform in Fiji’s employment landscape, illustrating the importance of inclusive engagement in policy-making processes.