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‘Stop fear mongering’

Unpacking the Misconceptions: What the Employment Relations Amendment Bill Really Means

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Felix Anthony, the national secretary of the Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC), has expressed strong criticism regarding recent media reports that he believes have created unnecessary confusion about the Employment Relations Amendment Bill. In an interview with The Fiji Times online portal The Lens@177, Anthony urged for an end to what he calls “fear mongering.”

He specifically challenged the way the media portrayed employer violations, labeling it as misleading and irresponsible. “The article suggested that breaching any law would result in fines, but that’s wrong. The law only applies to serious issues like forced labour and harassment,” Anthony clarified.

Anthony emphasized that the portrayal of fines for any employment law violation is inaccurate. He elaborated that in cases of serious offences, such as forced labour—which includes coercion into work or confiscation of passports—employers are first issued a 30-day notice to rectify the situation before fines are imposed. He noted that only in severe cases would the matter be escalated to court.

In his address, Anthony pointed out that unions also bear the responsibility to comply with regulations and can face penalties if they fail to meet legal standards, such as submitting annual reports or respecting court decisions related to strikes.

Wage theft, according to Anthony, is a more complex issue than merely a one-time error. He stated that it represents a habitual offence where employers consistently exploit workers. He cited an ongoing case where an employer had withheld wages for over five years, illustrating the serious nature of wage theft and the difficulties in addressing such prolonged violations.

Anthony reiterated the necessity of holding both employers and unions accountable, advocating for a balanced approach to compliance with the law. “If you do wrong, you pay the price, and that’s how it should work,” he remarked.

This perspective underscores the importance of fair practices within the employment sector and the need for vigilant enforcement of labour laws to protect workers’ rights. A commitment to accountability could lead to changes that foster respect and compliance among both employers and unions, thereby creating a more equitable working environment.

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