The proposed reinstatement of a three-day family care leave is on the horizon as the Fijian Parliament considers amendments to the Employment Relations Act 2007. Public consultations are currently underway across the country, led by the Fiji Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, signaling an active engagement with the community on this important matter.

Previously, workers were entitled to five days of family care leave; however, this was drastically reduced to just one day during the COVID-19 pandemic starting August 1, 2021. The current proposal seeks to address this reduction, allowing employees to take three days off to care for an immediate family member incapacitated due to illness, injury, or medical condition. Notably, the new amendment removes the term “household,” restricting the leave provision solely to immediate family members.

This legislative change not only supports workers’ rights but also aligns with broader social welfare efforts within Fiji, most notably the Childcare and Protection Bill 2024. This legislation aims to address the rising number of children in residential care homes due to neglect or abuse, emphasizing the paramount importance of family-based care solutions.

Minister for Women, Children, and Social Protection, Ms. Tabuya, has underscored the significance of these initiatives. Her advocacy for both the family care leave and the Childcare and Protection Bill reflects a commitment to strengthening family welfare and addressing urgent community needs. The return to three days of family care leave is a positive step towards enhancing support for families, allowing them to better care for one another during challenging times.

Overall, these proposed changes could foster a more nurturing environment for families in Fiji, promoting well-being and reinforcing the government’s dedication to family and community welfare. As these discussions evolve, there is hope that they will lead to meaningful reforms that benefit workers and vulnerable populations alike.