The chairperson of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, Pravesh Sharma, has emphasized the importance of respecting the rights of the Grace Road Group (GRG). In a recent interview with The Lens@177, Sharma raised concerns over how the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations handled allegations against GRG, suggesting that local employers may not receive the same treatment.
The Ministry had announced findings of “breaches” in GRG’s operations, leading to the deployment of officials to investigate the company’s properties. Sharma pointed out that the ministry’s decision to publicly declare these breaches without first allowing the company an opportunity to address the allegations may have been inappropriate. He remarked that proper protocol would entail informing Grace Road about the alleged breaches and providing the chance to rectify them before going public.
Sharma also questioned whether other local companies were being treated with the same scrutiny as Grace Road, particularly in light of challenges faced by migrant workers in Fiji. In response to the ministry’s public statements, Grace Road confirmed that they employ 800 workers in Fiji and expressed their willingness to work with the ministry to address any public concerns.
This scenario highlights the ongoing dialogue around labor practices and the treatment of companies in Fiji. Establishing a fair and transparent system can enhance employer-employee relations and ensure that the rights of all individuals in the workforce are upheld.
In summary, the call for fair treatment may lead to positive changes in how labor issues are addressed in Fiji, fostering a more equitable environment for both employers and employees.
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