The Fiji Trades Union Congress has accused business leader Jon Apted of "fear mongering" over the Employment Relations Amendment Bill now before Parliament, saying his public warnings about the legislation are misleading employers and the government. In a strongly worded statement, FTUC National Secretary Felix Anthony said Apted’s comments misrepresent the Bill’s intent and risk inflaming misunderstanding about workers’ rights.
Anthony said the Bill is grounded in recommendations from the International Labour Organization and is consistent with conventions Fiji has ratified, arguing it is designed to restore and strengthen workers’ rights rather than undermine business. "It is becoming clear that Mr Apted either does not understand the fundamental principles of decent work and workers’ rights or is simply playing to the ignorance of his audience," Anthony said, accusing Apted of instilling fear among employers and officials.
The FTUC leader also challenged Apted’s record on labour issues, pointing to his silence when the Essential Industries Decree was in force. That decree, Anthony said, "totally decimated the trade union movement and workers’ rights," and allowed employers broad powers while undermining protections for workers — including, he alleged, incidents that led to the incarceration of trade unionists. Anthony suggested it is disingenuous for Apted to demand a "level playing field" now that the government is seeking to restore protections.
Anthony disputed Apted’s recent argument that rising fuel prices justify concerns about the burden the legislation would place on employers, saying workers have been enduring such economic pain for decades. He urged business leaders to recognise the Bill’s role in fulfilling Fiji’s international commitments and in improving the country’s standing with the ILO, rather than treating the reforms as a threat to commerce.
Calling for collaboration rather than confrontation, the FTUC invited Apted to engage with unions to ensure the legislation protects workers’ rights while addressing legitimate employer concerns. "We call on Mr Apted to stop the fear mongering and work with unions to ensure that rights of workers… are protected," Anthony said, framing dialogue as the productive path forward as Parliament considers the amendments.
The dispute highlights growing tensions between organised labour and sections of the business community over the scope and pace of labour law reform. With the Employment Relations Amendment Bill still before Parliament, the FTUC’s public rebuttal is the latest development in a debate that could shape industrial relations and Fiji’s compliance with international labour standards.
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