Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh addressed the ongoing confusion surrounding consultations for the draft Employment Relations Act, noting that some members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee had been misinformed. He attributed this misunderstanding to a lack of technical support, resulting in various incorrect submissions from stakeholders during nationwide consultations. To rectify the situation, a technical support team has now been appointed to accompany the sector committee, a proposal that faced initial opposition but was ultimately approved by the Speaker of the House.
Singh emphasized that the importance of providing clarifications is paramount, as he believes that both committee members and stakeholders are grappling with confusion. Reflecting on previous experiences from 2006, he mentioned that the Ministry of Labour was present during consultations to assist in clarifying technical matters, a practice he hoped would be reinstated during the current review process.
Reflecting on historical resistance, Singh noted that previous opposition to the Employment Relations Act in 2006 was expected, as he stated, “There are always those who will oppose it.” He assured that similar claims of potential chaos in the business sector, which were raised back then, did not materialize after the law was implemented. In fact, he highlighted that after 15 years, a renewed effort to finalize comprehensive legislation for employment is now taking shape.
In discussing the draft Employment Relations Bill, Singh said it had been on the table for nearly 15 years, involving repeated consultations facilitated by the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB). The government now aims to advance the legislation collaboratively, catering to the needs of both employers and employees.
Moreover, business leaders have raised concerns about transparency in the law-making process, echoing sentiments from past critiques. Recent amendments to the draft have intensified scrutiny, with the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation and the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association stressing the need for genuine dialogue and consultation.
Overall, the commitment from the Employment Ministry to engage stakeholders in a well-rounded dialogue signals a dedication to refining labor laws that can effectively address both worker rights and employer needs. The positive anticipation surrounding the finalization of the Employment Relations Act reflects a broader hope for improved labor relations and economic resilience in Fiji.