Fifty-six businesses from Ba have submitted a collective statement to Parliament expressing their strong opposition to the proposed amendments in the Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill 2025. The businesses argue that these amendments threaten to impose severe financial and administrative burdens, warning that they could substantially affect operational costs while neglecting Fiji’s significant skills and labor shortages.
The submission, which spans 17 pages and includes input from a diverse range of companies, from large manufacturers to small retailers, articulates eight primary objections. Among these are the introduction of “instant fines” for employers reaching up to $1,000 and the imposition of “absolute liability” for underpaid wages, even in cases of unintentional mistakes. The businesses also criticize proposed penalties that could escalate to $1 million and the potential for jail terms for employers, including company directors.
Further concerns focus on the criminalization of workplace issues such as unjustified dismissals and sexual harassment, as well as an expansion of labor inspectors’ powers, potentially allowing them to prosecute employers quickly for non-compliance. The businesses warn that these measures could exacerbate the existing skills and labor crisis in Fiji rather than address it.
In their statement, the businesses emphasized their role in fostering economic growth through job creation, tax contributions, and their integral position in the Fijian economy. They are urging Parliament to reject the amendments outright, fearing that such changes, if enacted, could undermine the establishment of a supportive environment for business operations.
This outcry aligns with previous concerns shared by organizations such as the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) and the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA). Both groups have highlighted similar issues regarding the expansive powers of labor officers and stringent penalties outlined in the proposed bill, which threaten to harm the viability of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs)—a crucial element of Fiji’s employment landscape.
As the deadline for public consultations approaches, there is hope that the ongoing dialogue between businesses, government officials, and other stakeholders might yield constructive outcomes. A collaborative approach could lead to labor legislation that not only safeguards workers’ rights but also ensures that businesses can thrive and contribute positively to Fiji’s economy.