During a recent public consultation at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi, Felix Anthony, General Secretary of the National Union of Workers, strongly advocated for menstrual leave to be recognized as a distinct category separate from sick leave. This discussion arose in the context of proposed amendments to the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024, during which attendees explored various options for improving labor conditions in Fiji.
Mr. Anthony addressed a proposal that would allow women to use three of their ten sick leave days for severe menstrual pain, asserting that “menstruation is not a sickness.” He emphasized the need for a dedicated leave category tailored specifically for menstrual health, urging the Ministry of Employment to reconsider the current approach. This perspective reflects a growing acknowledgment of the unique health needs women face in the workplace.
The consultation also discussed family care leave. Mr. Anthony noted that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, employees had access to five days of family care leave, which was reduced during the crisis. While the Ministry now proposes to restore this to three days, Mr. Anthony views it as a positive initial move and expresses hope for a full return to the original five days.
Additionally, the topic of maternity protection was raised, with Mr. Anthony pointing out gaps in existing laws that could leave women at a disadvantage when returning from maternity leave. Responding to these points, Acting Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, Atish Kumar, reassured attendees that current laws provide necessary protections, allowing women to return to their previous roles without losing pay or status.
The engagement of various stakeholders in this public consultation highlights a collective desire for enhanced labor protections and policies in Fiji, particularly for women. As discussions continue, there is optimism that these proposed amendments will contribute significantly to better workplace conditions, fostering an environment that supports employee rights and well-being.
In summary, the ongoing discussions signal a hopeful shift towards recognizing essential health needs in the workplace. If the proposed reforms are enacted, they can pave the way for a more equitable and supportive work environment for all workers in Fiji, demonstrating a commitment to addressing key health and family-related issues within the workforce.
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