The 2024 Public Service International (PSI) Oceania Sub-Regional Advisory Committee Conference is currently taking place in Nadi, aiming to adopt a tripartite approach to tackle labor-related issues and harness 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 role in bringing together 50 participants from six Pacific Island countries to share ideas and work towards enhancing their working environments.
Chand highlighted that the conference will concentrate on critical topics such as climate justice, labor migration, insourcing, combating privatization, support for indigenous workers, compliance with International Labour standards, and capacity building.
He noted that the government has initiated several strategies to address labor migration alongside other labor-related challenges within the Civil Service. “The government has removed contractual conditions and introduced tenure service, along with a commitment to salary adjustments that range from 7 to 20 percent,” Chand explained. Additionally, initiatives such as the Internship and Graduate Trainee program have been launched to help address the skills gap among the qualified workforce.
Chand also mentioned that the Ministry of Civil Service is presently reviewing the General Orders to enhance employment terms and conditions for civil servants.
He expressed optimism about the future of work in Fiji, citing the implementation of well-established tripartite mechanisms and upcoming strategies outlined in the new National Development Plan. “Fiji is in a better position to comply with ILO standards and adhere to best practices,” Chand concluded.
Youth representatives from member countries of the Oceania Sub-Regional Advisory Committee Conference (OSRAC) are also participating in this year’s event.