The Coalition of MSME Network has challenged Felix Anthony, national secretary of the Fiji Trade Union Congress (FTUC), for ridiculing their inability to pay a proposed $500,000 penalty. This response follows concerns expressed by the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation and the Fiji Hotels and Tourism Association regarding severe penalties outlined in the amended Employment Relations Act.
Edward Bernard, a representative of the coalition, stated that Anthony’s comments reflect a lack of understanding of the small and medium enterprise sector, which provides employment for the majority of workers in Fiji. Bernard emphasized that many of these workers are not represented by Anthony’s organization and affirmed that business owners, who form the largest workforce in the country, are sharing their concerns based on real experiences.
The coalition expressed worries about the potential elimination of cost-saving mediation services, warning that circumventing mediation could lead to higher expenses and extended court proceedings, which would be detrimental for both the workers, most of whom are not represented by FTUC, and their employers.
The MSME coalition supports the appeal from FCEF and FHTA, urging Minister Hon. Singh to consider the employers’ apprehensions, reassess the stringent aspects of the proposed amendments, and work toward balanced solutions that ensure worker protection while enabling business sustainability.
In reply, the FTUC reiterated its position, stating that businesses shouldn’t be troubled by fines as long as they adhere to the law. According to FTUC, the law will align with international labor standards that the country has ratified but failed to implement during the past 16 years of government. They also highlighted that employers had avoided wage negotiations, questioning the reasons behind this stance.
On a recent occasion, Anthony asserted that the fines should serve as a deterrent and that companies must comply with the laws in place.