Concerns are rising in the private sector regarding proposed amendments to the Employment Relations Act (ERA), with the Fiji-Australia Business Council (FABC) lending its voice to the opposition. In a recent statement, the FABC cautioned that these changes could have adverse effects on the Fijian economy, potentially undermining the progress businesses have made in their recovery and growth efforts.
The FABC, which aims to foster business and trade ties between Fiji and Australia, stressed that its membership consists of influential business leaders and representatives from both nations. They highlighted the painstaking work that has taken place over decades to nurture these bilateral relationships and criticized the lack of transparency and insufficient consultations surrounding the proposed ERA amendments.
This growing concern follows earlier criticisms from the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) and the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA), who brought attention to proposed penalties in the draft bill, including fines up to $500,000 and imprisonment for up to 20 years. They echoed the need for greater transparency in the amendment process, prompting the government to engage in discussions with these industry representatives.
Meetings recently took place between the Minister for Employment, Agni Deo Singh, and representatives of the FCEF and FHTA. The objective of these discussions was to establish a roadmap for further refining the draft amendments through a series of consultations commencing next week. All parties are encouraged to participate in good faith to ensure the timely preparation of the draft for review by relevant government bodies and eventual parliamentary approval.
The FABC emphasized the importance of business voices in stimulating investment and economic growth in Fiji, asserting that this input is crucial at this juncture. They have urged the Ministry of Employment to adopt a more inclusive and consultative approach moving forward.
In summary, there is a collective call from the private sector for more transparency and collaboration as the government navigates the proposed changes to the Employment Relations Act. This engagement signals a proactive approach to address concerns and protect the hard-won progress of the Fijian economy. The hopeful aspect is that, with increased dialogue and cooperation, these amendments can be refined to support both business interests and workers’ rights effectively.
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