The Fiji Employers Federation has expressed serious concerns regarding proposed changes to the Employment Relations Act 2007, noting that the legislative updates have been fast-tracked without adequate consultation. During a recent presentation to the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, Sandeep Chauhan, a board member of the Federation, acknowledged that although the bill has been in development for several years, it has faced multiple management and technical difficulties that have impeded proper dialogue.
Chauhan recognized the efforts of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations but criticized the consultation process for lacking in good faith negotiations and sufficient public engagement. He highlighted that, despite public consultations starting in January, only one meeting of the Employment Relations Advisory Board occurred prior to the finalization of the draft amendments. He stressed that the goal of public consultations should be to gather input from the wider community, rather than solely from unions and employers who have already had their chance to contribute.
While he noted some improvements in parts of the draft, such as reduced fines and clearer language, Chauhan also pointed to remaining critical issues. He called for the bill to modernize Fiji’s employment framework, particularly to address the realities of the gig economy and outsourced industries that have developed since the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed out that the proposed amendments do not sufficiently tackle the growing labor shortages, highlighting the absence of provisions to facilitate the recruitment of foreign labor, which is vital for sustaining business operations.
The concerns raised by the Federation resonate with those expressed by the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF) in earlier discussions about the amendments. Members of the FCEF have voiced their discontent regarding the legislative process, describing it as rushed and lacking transparency. Legal counsel Jon Apted has previously emphasized the need for a well-structured consultation process, advocating for more time to analyze and engage with the proposed amendments.
As the Standing Committee continues to gather feedback from stakeholders, there is hope that these discussions will lead to more balanced and effective labor laws that consider the needs of both employers and employees. An inclusive approach to revising the Employment Relations Act could contribute significantly to a more robust economic environment in Fiji, nurturing conditions conducive to business growth and improved job security for workers.