The Employment Minister, Agni Deo Singh, has announced plans to present the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024 to Parliament in March. During discussions in Sigatoka, Mr. Singh highlighted that the legislative process involves multiple steps, including consultations with the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB), which have been ongoing for nearly a decade. He indicated that after this round of consultations, the proposals will be vetted by the Solicitor General’s Office and then advance to Cabinet before reaching Parliament.

A secondary round of public consultations will occur after Cabinet review, allowing stakeholders and the general public an opportunity to provide their feedback on the laws before they are finalized. The deadline for submitting proposals for these legislative changes is set for January 20.

This legislative effort has garnered attention from various stakeholders, including the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) and the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA), who have expressed their commitment to actively participate in the discussions. However, concerns have been raised by the FCEF regarding the timing and adequacy of the upcoming consultations, which are scheduled from January 8 to January 17. They argue that the limited timeframe and lack of accessible draft Bills could hinder effective stakeholder engagement.

The ongoing conversations reveal a collective dedication to improving labor laws in Fiji that support both workers’ rights and the business environment. With the legislative process underway and the engagement of diverse stakeholders, there is an opportunity for robust legislation that addresses the needs of the workforce while facilitating business development.

In the spirit of hopeful collaboration, stakeholders are encouraged to engage meaningfully in the consultation process, ultimately aiming for laws that reflect a balanced approach benefitting all parties involved in Fiji’s economy.