The Suva Retailers Association is urging the Government to make public the contentious proposed amendments to the Employment Relations Act (ERA) for broader community awareness and discussion.
The association has shown support for the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation and the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association, advocating for a review of what they described as the “harsh elements” of the proposals that raise concerns for employers.
It emphasized the need for stakeholders to work together to find solutions that both protect workers and enable businesses to grow.
SRA president Jitesh Patel expressed worry about potential fines reaching up to $500,000 and imprisonment for as long as 20 years, stating these provisions could adversely affect the outlook for their 150 members.
Patel highlighted that the Non-Disclosure Agreement imposed by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity & Industrial Relations on employer members of the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB) restricts the SRA from effectively engaging with them about the proposed changes.
He noted that most SRA members are micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) employing over 3,500 workers, predominantly women.
“Our retail businesses and their workforce support numerous other businesses, including Government, and contribute to thousands of jobs in the city,” he said.
Patel pointed out that high business costs, a lack of skilled labor, low productivity, and climate-related challenges continue to affect their members.
As a result, the association is calling for the Government to provide clarity by publicly releasing the proposed amendments so they can engage in open discussions with ERAB members.
The association is also advocating for the restoration of the tripartite structure to allow ERAB members to negotiate the amendments on behalf of the SRA in a transparent manner.