The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh, has reiterated the government’s dedication to enhancing social protection for workers within Fiji’s informal sector. He highlighted this issue as critical for numerous families that depend on small-scale jobs, casual employment, and self-employment to survive.
Minister Singh emphasized that informal workers are already protected by Fiji’s core labor laws, including the Employment Relations Act of 2007 and the Health and Safety at Work Act of 1996. These regulations ensure that all workers are entitled to essential protections such as minimum wage, safe working conditions, paid leave, and access to appropriate equipment and safety gear.
To support these rights, the Ministry actively conducts compliance checks and workplace inspections, particularly as an increasing number of individuals turn to informal work to support their households.
The Minister also announced that further labor law reforms are in progress. The Ministry is working on new regulations under the Employment Relations Act aimed at bolstering social protection measures, particularly for vulnerable workers in the informal economy who typically endure unstable incomes and limited access to benefits.
Moreover, he mentioned that these reforms are designed to complement existing government social protection programs, which focus on health, education, social welfare, and essential service subsidies. Together, these initiatives create an additional support system for low-income families.
In a moment of reflection, Minister Singh paid tribute to the late Mr. Taito Roba Waqa, former Permanent Secretary for Labour. He recognized Mr. Waqa’s extensive service and significant role in the modernization of Fiji’s labor legislation, acknowledging that his contributions continue to influence the Ministry’s reform efforts.
The Minister’s message was a reassuring one: Fiji’s informal workers will not be forgotten, and government assistance will expand to better cater to their needs.