During a recent public consultation at the Tanoa International Hotel in Nadi, Felix Anthony, the General Secretary of the National Union of Workers, called for menstrual leave to be recognized as a separate category distinct from sick leave. This discussion took place in the context of proposed amendments to the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024.

Mr. Anthony expressed his concerns regarding a proposal that would allow women to use three of their ten sick leave days for severe menstrual pain, stating, “Menstruation is not a sickness, as we know.” He emphasized the importance of establishing a dedicated leave category specifically catering to menstrual-related health issues and urged the Ministry of Employment to reconsider the current approach toward sick leave.

The issue of family care leave was also addressed, with Mr. Anthony recalling that before the COVID-19 pandemic, employees were entitled to five days of family care leave. This was temporarily reduced to one day during the pandemic, but there is now a proposal to restore this to three days. He welcomed this as a positive step and expressed hope for a return to the original five-day leave soon.

Additionally, Mr. Anthony raised concerns about maternity protection laws, highlighting potential gaps that could negatively impact women upon returning from maternity leave. Addressing these concerns, Acting Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, Atish Kumar, assured that existing provisions protect women’s rights, allowing them to return to their prior roles without any loss of pay or status.

The robust engagement of stakeholders in these discussions reflects a growing recognition of the need for improved labor rights and workplace policies in Fiji. As these consultations advance, there is optimism that proposed changes can significantly enhance workplace conditions, particularly for women, promoting a healthier work environment and prioritizing employee rights.

Overall, these ongoing discussions signal a hopeful commitment to recognizing essential health needs in the workplace. If enacted, the proposed reforms could help foster a more supportive and equitable work atmosphere for all workers in Fiji, addressing crucial health and family-related needs within the workforce.