In a focused effort to advance labor legislation, Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh has announced plans for the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024 to be presented to Parliament in March. During a discussion in Sigatoka, Singh elaborated on the steps involved in the legislative process, which includes collaboration with the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB) to refine the draft before it undergoes full vetting by the Solicitor General’s Office.

Singh emphasized that consultations have been ongoing for nearly a decade, culminating in the current draft. Following the completion of consultations, the proposal will progress through Cabinet and then to Parliament. Before the legislative proposals are finalized, there will be a second round of public consultations after Cabinet review, ensuring that stakeholders—including the general public—have the opportunity to voice their opinions on the laws.

This legislative effort comes at a crucial time when representatives from the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) and the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA) have recently expressed their commitment to actively participate in the process through tripartite discussions aimed at addressing concerns highlighted in the media regarding the drafting of the Employment Relations Bill. Both the FCEF and FHTA have shown eagerness to collaborate, emphasizing collective input into the development of the proposed amendments.

Interestingly, a second article from December reported that the FCEF has raised concerns about the timing and adequacy of upcoming public consultations scheduled for January 2025. They argued that the limited timeframe for submissions and lack of draft Bills could undermine the effectiveness of feedback. The FCEF is hopeful that extending the consultation period and ensuring access to the draft legislation will lead to more constructive and inclusive dialogues.

The overarching themes emerging from these discussions show a commitment to improvement in labor laws that not only support businesses but also protect the rights of workers. With the collaborative approach being adopted by various stakeholders, there is potential for robust legislation that better reflects the needs of the workforce and business environment in Fiji.