Pravesh Sharma, the chairperson of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC), has emphasized the importance of respecting the rights of the Grace Road Group (GRG). In a recent interview, Sharma expressed concerns regarding the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations’ treatment of the company.
The ministry recently announced that it had identified “breaches” in the operations of GRG and intended to send officers to investigate further. Sharma suggested that the ministry’s approach may have been inappropriate, arguing that the company should have been given the opportunity to address and rectify the alleged breaches before any public announcement was made.
He voiced that it seemed premature for the ministry to label GRG’s actions as breaches without allowing them the chance to respond. Sharma questioned whether the ministry would apply the same scrutiny to local employers as it has to GRG, highlighting that local companies may also be engaging in similar practices without facing the same level of investigation.
Notably, Grace Road Group, which employs about 800 workers in Fiji, has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the ministry to clarify any concerns raised publicly. This cooperative spirit offers a positive outlook on potential resolutions and improvements in workplace conditions.
This situation sheds light on the broader issue of how regulations and scrutiny are applied across different companies in Fiji, suggesting a need for fair treatment in workplace relations. The focus should remain on fostering an environment where companies can address their shortcomings while ensuring the rights of workers are protected.
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