The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) has raised substantial concerns regarding the 142 amendments proposed to the Employment Relations Act of 2007. The Federation views these changes as misaligned with the evolving landscape of work that progressive economies are adopting. As the government conducts public consultations regarding the Employment Relations Act and the upcoming Work Care Bill (2024), FCEF’s Chief Executive, Edward Bernard, highlighted a growing demand for fair and balanced labor law reforms from investors and owners of micro and small businesses.

Bernard criticized the amendments for disproportionately penalizing employers while increasing benefits for workers without considering the unique circumstances of different business sizes and sectors. He argued that the focus of reforms should be on modernizing labor laws to advance workforce productivity, address skill shortages, and introduce flexible working modalities that drive innovation, especially relevant in sectors such as the gig and blue economy.

To facilitate understanding of these changes, FCEF has organized informational sessions for its members. Many attendees from the Western Division expressed their concerns about the proposed provisions, which could lead to increased operational costs and adversely impact jobs and economic growth.

Furthermore, Bernard noted that the Fijian government’s National Development Plan (2025-29) aims to achieve an annual economic growth rate of 4-5%, boost investment to 20%, raise the contribution of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to 21%, and reduce unemployment to 3.8%. However, he fears that certain proposed measures, such as steep fines of up to one million dollars and potential criminal charges for non-compliance, would undermine these goals.

In light of these challenges, FCEF is encouraging all employers to actively participate in public consultations to voice their concerns directly to the government. The Federation is prepared to provide additional information and support to employers navigating these legislative changes.

This situation presents an opportunity for a constructive dialogue between government officials and business stakeholders. Engaging all parties can foster the development of balanced labor laws that both protect workers’ rights and support economic growth. By working collaboratively, there is hope for achieving legislation that responds to the needs of businesses and employees alike, contributing to a robust economy in Fiji.