The coalition government has announced its intention to restore three days of family care leave through the proposed Employment Relations Bill 2025. This development has been met with criticism from the Opposition, particularly regarding the decision not to reinstate paternity leave.
In a statement to Parliament, Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights through well-considered reforms. He commented, “The coalition government has taken proactive steps to ensure that the rights and welfare of our workers and employers continue to be strengthened and safeguarded through proper legislative reforms.”
Family care leave, which was first implemented in 2018, saw its original five-day allowance reduced to just two, before being eliminated altogether in April 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new bill proposes the reintroduction of up to three working days of leave strictly for caring for immediate family members or household residents, aiming to prevent misuse of the provision.
Despite these positive changes, Singh confirmed that paternity leave would not be part of the current legislative modifications, a point that drew sharp criticism from the Opposition bench. MP Virendra Lal accused the government of rolling back rights rather than expanding them, asserting, “Where is the progress in that?” Opposition MP Alvick Maharaj echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the reduction of leave entitlements seems to receive less scrutiny compared to similar actions under previous governments.
In defense of the reforms, Singh stated that the proposals seek to balance employee welfare with the concerns of employers, highlighting that the government is considering all stakeholders’ perspectives. The Employment Relations Bill 2025 is currently under review by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, which will evaluate the feedback received before finalizing the report for Parliament.
While the proposed bill marks a partial restoration of benefits lost during the pandemic, there are significant concerns that it does not fully deliver on the coalition’s pre-election commitments to restore workers’ rights. Nonetheless, the reinstatement of family care leave reflects a step forward in enhancing support for working families, signifying a commitment to improving their well-being during challenging times. This initiative aligns with larger social welfare efforts in Fiji that prioritize family structures and community care.