The general secretary of the National Union of Hospitality, Catering and Tourism Industries Employees, Daniel Urai, has emphasized the urgent need for the enactment of the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024. Urai expressed his sentiments during a recent interview, noting that extensive public consultations have been ongoing for over a decade. “It’s about time,” he stated, highlighting the protracted nature of the discussions and the anticipation that they will finally lead to legislative progress.

He expressed gratitude for the government’s positive stance towards these legislative changes, saying, “But personally, I’m grateful that we’ve got here, and the Government has been positive in allowing this to happen.” Urai underscored that the consultations have involved diverse stakeholders, and he hopes the Cabinet will produce a resolution that satisfies the various parties involved.

The final submission date for the proposed amendments is set for January 20, with public consultations currently taking place in the Western Division, including areas like Ba, Tavua, and Rakiraki.

This current development comes amidst concerns raised by the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) regarding the consultation process. FCEF’s CEO, Edward Bernard, has criticized the limited timeframe for public input and the absence of draft Bills, deeming the January 8 to January 17 consultation period insufficient for comprehensive stakeholder engagement. Bernard’s call for postponement to February 2025 echoes the sentiment that more extensive dialogue is necessary to ensure balanced representation from all sectors, particularly in light of challenges faced by many businesses.

In summary, while there is optimism surrounding the enactment of the Employment Relations Act and the Work Care Bill, the ongoing discussions highlight the need for thorough consultations with all stakeholders to create effective legislation. The hope is that this collaboration will foster a legal framework that serves the interests of both workers and businesses, ultimately contributing to a more robust economy in Fiji.