The Coalition of MSME Network has criticized Felix Anthony, the national secretary of the Fiji Trade Union Congress (FTUC), for dismissing their inability to pay a proposed $500,000 penalty as laughable. This criticism follows concerns expressed by the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation and the Fiji Hotels and Tourism Association regarding the substantial penalties included in the amended Employment Relations Act.
Edward Bernard, a representative of the Coalition, argued that Anthony’s remarks reflect a misunderstanding of the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector, which employs a significant portion of Fiji’s workforce. Bernard stated, “The comments by Felix Anthony indicate his lack of comprehension regarding a sector that employs the majority of Fiji’s workers, most of whom are our employees, not his members.”
He emphasized that as the employers of the largest workforce, they are speaking from real experience when they assert that the fines and potential prison terms are excessive. Bernard also expressed concern over the proposed elimination of cost-saving mediation services. He pointed out that bypassing mediation could lead to increased costs and prolonged court processes, which would strain both workers—many of whom FTUC does not represent—and employers.
The Coalition of MSME Networks supports the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation and the Fiji Hotels and Tourism Association in urging Minister Hon. Singh to take employers’ concerns into account, revise the harsh aspects of these amendments, and seek collaborative solutions that protect workers while allowing businesses to succeed.
In response, the FTUC maintained its position, stating, “SMEs or any business should not be concerned about paying fines if they are adhering to the law.” They emphasized that the law is meant to align with international labor standards that Fiji has ratified but has not been followed during the past 16 years of governance.
Anthony reiterated that the fines are intended to serve as a deterrent for companies, insisting that employers must comply with legal regulations.