The 2024 Public Service International (PSI) Oceania Sub-Regional Advisory Committee Conference is currently taking place in Nadi, focusing on a collaborative strategy to tackle labor-related issues and explore growth opportunities in the Pacific region.
During the official opening this morning, Parmesh Chand, the Permanent Secretary for Civil Service and Public Enterprise, emphasized the conference’s aim to bring together 50 representatives from six Pacific Island nations to share ideas and improve their working environments.
Chand noted that the discussions will concentrate on key topics such as climate justice, labor migration, insourcing, combating privatization, the rights of indigenous workers, adherence to International Labour standards, and capacity building.
He mentioned that the government has launched several initiatives to tackle labor migration and related challenges within the Civil Service. These include the removal of contractual conditions in favor of tenure service and a salary adjustment initiative that provides pay increases ranging from 7 to 20 percent. The government has also introduced an Internship and Graduate Trainee programme to help address skills shortages in the workforce.
Chand also revealed that the Ministry of Civil Service is in the process of reviewing General Orders to enhance the employment terms and conditions for civil servants.
He expressed confidence in the future of work in Fiji, highlighting that tripartite mechanisms are now fully established, along with strategies outlined in the upcoming National Development Plan. Chand reassured that Fiji is well-positioned to meet International Labour Organization standards and adopt best practices.
Additionally, youth representatives from member countries of the Oceania Sub-Regional Advisory Committee Conference (OSRAC) are actively participating in this year’s event.