Fifty-six businesses from Ba have presented a unified statement to Parliament, vehemently opposing the proposed amendments to the Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill 2025. They contend that the changes threaten to impose significant financial and administrative challenges, warning that they could drastically increase operational costs while neglecting Fiji’s critical shortages in skills and labor.
Spanning 17 pages and incorporating feedback from a wide array of sectors, from large manufacturing firms to small retailers, the submission outlines eight key objections. A major concern includes the introduction of “instant fines” for employers, which can reach up to $1,000, alongside the imposition of “absolute liability” for underpaid wages, even if the underpayment was unintentional. The businesses also expressed alarm over proposed penalties that could soar to $1 million, and the prospect of jail terms for employers, including company directors.
Further concerns raised by the businesses involve the criminalization of workplace issues such as unjustified dismissals and sexual harassment, as well as an expansion of the powers of labor inspectors, allowing for rapid prosecution of employers for non-compliance. These measures, they argue, could worsen the existing skills and labor shortages in Fiji instead of providing solutions.
The businesses underscored their significant role in driving economic growth through job creation and tax contributions, emphasizing their essential position within the Fijian economy. They are urging Parliament to reject the amendments, apprehensive that such changes could jeopardize a nurturing environment for business operations.
This collective outcry resonates with earlier sentiments expressed by organizations like the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) and the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association (FHTA). Both have similarly raised alarms about the expansive powers of labor officers and the severe penalties outlined in the proposed bill, highlighting concerns regarding the detrimental impact on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), a vital sector for employment in Fiji.
As the public consultation deadline approaches, there remains hope that the ongoing discussions among businesses, government officials, and other stakeholders may lead to positive outcomes. A collaborative effort could result in labor legislation that not only protects workers’ rights but also fosters a thriving business environment, ultimately benefiting Fiji’s economy as a whole.