An increasing number of business leaders have joined tourism leader Fantasha Lockington in calling for transparency in the formulation of laws related to the employment sector. This renewed concern regarding the draft Employment Relations Bill arises two years after SunBiz initially reported similar grievances from business executives.
Recent modifications to the document have intensified unease about its development process, which, according to Lockington, was executed without consulting business owners or their representatives beforehand. The Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association CEO highlighted a problematic trend where the interests of business leaders were allegedly sidelined by the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation.
“We received a draft Bill unexpectedly on Monday, October 15, which included new additions,” Mrs. Lockington remarked about the latest revisions to the draft. “The essence of this process should be consultation, rather than mere submissions. It is pointless to submit our views since the draft was already prepared.”
She emphasized the expectation for discussions to take place, underscoring that it appeared the ministry was reluctant to explain each modification.
Lockington is taking a stand over two years after manufacturer Mike Towler echoed similar criticisms. From Australia, Mr. Towler remarked that the ministry has been procrastinating instead of collaborating with the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation on this matter.
“Why do you think Fantasha brought this issue into the public eye?” he questioned. “If the Federation were causing delays, she wouldn’t be publicly criticizing the ministry’s failure to negotiate changes to the Employment Relations Act.”
Towler also pointed out that the government has not addressed the allegedly unlawful procedures regarding the increase of the national minimum wage and sectoral wage council adjustments.
The Ministry of Employment has stated its commitment to fostering inclusive and good-faith dialogue regarding the review of the Employment Relations Act. Minister Agni Deo Singh assured that the ministry is actively consulting its partners in line with the relevant International Labour Organisation guidelines.
However, Towler challenged the ministry’s claims. “The Ministry of Employment has been acting in bad faith, not the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation,” he stated. Meanwhile, both Minister Singh and the ministry’s media liaison officer were unavailable for comment.
Towler further criticized the ministry’s handling of the proposed Employment Relations Act and reminded Minister Singh of his role, urging him to remain independent of his previous union background. “He needs to recognize that he is no longer a union representative,” Towler said, calling for Singh to resign or be replaced by someone more competent for the ministerial role.