ILO marks 50 years in the Pacific as Fiji highlights its tripartite collaboration
Fiji is joining the global celebration of the International Labour Organization’s 50-year presence in the Pacific, underscoring the unique tripartite structure that makes the ILO stand out among United Nations agencies. The ILO operates with three main constituencies—government, employers, and workers—working together to set standards, shape policies, and drive programmes that promote decent work for all.
In Fiji, the Government is represented by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, while employers are represented by the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) and workers by the Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC). Since Fiji joined the ILO in 1974, FCEF has maintained direct access to the organisation, benefitting from ILO’s Bureau for Employers Activities (ACTEMP) and technical assistance in a range of areas. These include strengthening organizational capacity, engaging in regional and international policy forums, developing employer positions on labour laws and employment policies, guidance on minimum wage and wage setting mechanisms, promoting entrepreneurship and enterprise development, and supporting crisis assessment and recovery, including responses to COVID-19.
As a longstanding constituent of the ILO and a signatory to ILO conventions, Fiji is active in national tripartite bodies such as the Employment Relations Advisory Board, the National Occupational Health and Safety Board, the National Employment Centre Board, and 10 Wages Councils. The ILO Conference, held annually in Geneva, serves as the body that sets international labour standards and policy directions. It is often referred to as an international parliament of labour, and it provides a forum for discussing key social and labour issues. Because FCEF is part of the ILO and connected to ACTEMP, it has the opportunity to participate in and contribute to ILO standards and the biennial budget, and through broader networks, it can work toward greater influence at international and regional platforms.
The Fiji delegation’s engagement with the ILO is not limited to internal reforms. At a recent 50-year celebration in Nadi, FCEF president Vinay Narsey paid tribute to the ILO’s milestone and to colleagues past and present who helped shape the partnership. The federation also emphasizes the ongoing value of Fiji’s presence at international discussions, including participation by FCEF leadership at high-level fora and ILC sessions that advance labour rights and governance.
Beyond the commemorations, Fiji’s private sector continues to deepen its cooperation with the ILO. Recent reporting shows FCEF has established nine active councils representing diverse sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, and small enterprises, positioning the federation as a key channel for reform and industry insight. Membership has grown, and there have been notable financial supports through donor funding, along with the launch of an online membership portal to streamline registration and member communication. Plans are underway to restructure membership categories into a seven-tier system, with a focus on including micro and women-led small businesses, to widen access to benefits and services. These steps reflect a broader strategy to modernize engagement, improve service delivery, and strengthen the private sector’s role in Fiji’s economic resilience.
The continued collaboration between Fiji’s government, workers, and employers—embodied by the ILO framework—aims to balance the needs of businesses with protections for workers, while promoting sustainable development and decent work opportunities. This concerted approach is evident in high-level dialogues, the ongoing evolution of labor laws, and Fiji’s active participation in international labour standards discussions.
As Fiji looks to the future, the ILO partnership remains a cornerstone of its labour agenda, offering a platform for reform, dialogue, and mutual progress among all stakeholders. The ongoing cooperation between FCEF, FTUC, and government ministries signals a hopeful path toward fairer workplaces, stronger economic growth, and better livelihoods for Fiji’s workers and employers alike.
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