Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh has addressed the prevailing confusion regarding the consultations for the draft Employment Relations Act, clarifying that misinformation has arisen among members of the Parliamentary Standing Committee. He identified the lack of technical support as a key factor leading to incorrect submissions from stakeholders during nationwide consultations. To address this issue, a technical support team has been appointed to support the sector committee. This proposal initially met resistance but ultimately received approval from the Speaker of the House.
Singh underscored the importance of providing clarifications, as many committee members and stakeholders continue to struggle with understanding the nuances of the draft. He drew a parallel to past instances, particularly from 2006, when the Ministry of Labour participated in discussions to help clarify technical issues, a practice he hopes will be revived in the current review process.
Highlighting the historical context, Singh acknowledged the expected opposition to the Employment Relations Act from 2006, stating, “There are always those who will oppose it.” He reassured that earlier fears of chaos in the business sector associated with the law’s implementation had not materialized, noting that there is now a renewed effort to finalize comprehensive legislation related to employment after 15 years.
The draft Employment Relations Bill has been under consideration for nearly 15 years, with multiple consultations led by the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB). The government’s current objective is to advance this legislation collaboratively, addressing the needs of both employers and employees while fostering a constructive dialogue.
Business leaders have expressed concerns about the transparency of the law-making process, resonating with previous critiques. Recent amendments to the draft have intensified demands for genuine discussions, with organizations like the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation and the Fiji Hotel and Tourism Association emphasizing the importance of collaborative engagement.
The Employment Ministry’s commitment to fostering an inclusive dialogue with stakeholders reflects a dedication to enhancing labor laws that balance the rights of workers with the needs of employers. This positive momentum surrounding the finalization of the Employment Relations Act represents a hopeful outlook for improved labor relations and economic stability in Fiji.