Pravesh Sharma, the chairperson of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission (FHRADC), has voiced his concerns regarding the treatment of the Grace Road Group (GRG) by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations. In a recent interview with The Lens@177, he emphasized the importance of respecting the rights of the GRG following the ministry’s announcement of alleged operational breaches.
Sharma criticized the ministry for publicly declaring these breaches without giving Grace Road an opportunity to respond or rectify the issues first. He raised the question of whether similar treatment would be extended to other local employers, suggesting that the ministry’s approach may be biased.
In his statements, Sharma pointed out that while the ministry has listed potential breaches at Grace Road, it should have initially informed the company about these issues privately, allowing them to address concerns directly before going public.
Grace Road, which employs around 800 workers in Fiji, has expressed its willingness to collaborate with the ministry to address any public concerns and to work towards resolving the matter amicably.
This situation underscores the need for due process and fair treatment of all businesses, highlighting the importance of open communication between regulatory bodies and companies. By fostering a cooperative environment, both the ministry and employers can contribute to a more just workplace landscape in Fiji.
Overall, this highlights the significance of balancing regulatory oversight with the rights of businesses, ensuring that all parties are treated fairly and justly.
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