The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh, has reiterated the government’s dedication to enhancing social protection for workers within Fiji’s informal sector, underscoring its significance as a vital issue for many families dependent on small-scale jobs, self-employment, and casual work to sustain their livelihoods.
Minister Singh noted that informal workers are already included under Fiji’s fundamental labor laws, such as the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1996. These legislations guarantee that all workers, regardless of their employment situation, can benefit from minimum wage protections, safe working conditions, paid leave, and the provision of appropriate equipment and safety gear.
To uphold these rights, the Ministry is actively conducting compliance checks and workplace inspections, prioritizing the enforcement of these laws as more individuals turn to informal work to support their households.
In a bid to further strengthen social protections, the Minister revealed that new labor law reforms are in progress. The Ministry is drafting additional regulations under the Employment Relations Act aimed at enhancing protections for vulnerable workers in the informal economy, who often encounter unstable incomes and limited access to benefits.
These reforms are designed to complement existing government social protection programs in various areas, including health, education, social welfare, and essential service subsidies, thereby creating an additional support layer for low-income families.
Minister Singh also took the opportunity to honor the late Mr. Taito Roba Waqa, the former Permanent Secretary for Labour, acknowledging his significant contributions to the modernization of Fiji’s labor legislation. He emphasized that Mr. Waqa’s legacy continues to influence the Ministry’s reform efforts moving forward.
The message from the Minister is unequivocal: Fiji’s informal workers will not be overlooked, and government support will expand to address their evolving needs. This commitment reflects a hopeful outlook for the future, as Fiji strives to ensure the welfare and rights of all its workers, particularly those in the informal sector.
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