Small businesses in Fiji are expressing concerns regarding proposed changes to maternity leave provisions outlined in the Employment Relations Bill. Neelam Maharaj, Managing Director of Friendly Mates, raised her apprehensions during a recent submission to the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs. She contended that extending maternity leave beyond the current 98 days presents substantial challenges for small businesses, particularly in relation to staffing issues that arise from extended unpaid leave for employees.
Maharaj emphasized that the current leave period is already adequate, noting that an additional three months could impose significant strains on business owners, who would need to keep positions unfilled during this time. She also cautioned that lengthening the maternity leave could inadvertently restrict women’s career prospects upon their return to the workforce. To address these concerns, she proposed a more equitable approach to both maternity and paternity leave, advocating for shared parental responsibilities.
In light of these worries, Premila Kumar, Deputy Chair of the Standing Committee, urged employers to understand and empathize with the difficulties faced by their employees, especially women. Kumar reiterated the committee’s commitment to enhancing female participation in the formal workforce but acknowledged the potential challenges posed by prolonged absences for new mothers.
The conversation surrounding the Employment Relations Bill is ongoing, with stakeholders striving to reach a compromise that safeguards women’s rights while considering the operational realities faced by small businesses. This ongoing dialogue points towards a concerted effort to implement meaningful reforms that benefit both working mothers and employers.
In recent public consultations, related discussions have also included initiatives such as establishing paid breastfeeding breaks and considering other health-related leaves, including menstrual leave. These discussions signal a broader commitment to enhancing women’s rights within the workplace. The involvement of various organizations along with the Ministry of Employment showcases a unified approach to improving labor protections, fostering a more inclusive work environment that supports working mothers.
These legislative discussions offer a hopeful outlook for achieving a balance between family welfare and workplace demands, paving the way for a more equitable environment that benefits both employees and employers in the future.