The Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) has come out in support of the Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill, responding to recent criticisms regarding the powers assigned to labour inspectors within the legislation. FTUC National Secretary Felix Anthony criticized claims labeling inspectors as having “unchecked authority,” asserting these assertions are exaggerated.
Anthony clarified that the Bill explicitly defines the roles and responsibilities of labour inspectors, which include aiding both workers and employers in resolving potential or existing breaches of labor laws. He emphasized that inspectors do not impose penalties immediately; rather, they initially issue improvement notices that allow employers to rectify any identified violations.
Refuting claims that inspectors could confiscate property, Anthony explained that their powers are confined to reviewing and copying wage records when deemed necessary. He reassured that inspections are conducted during working hours, ensuring access to operations like factories and resorts, and stressed that this is a standard procedure to maintain workplace compliance.
Concerns about excessive penalties within the Bill, particularly concerning wage theft, were also addressed by Anthony. He underscored the moral obligation to penalize employers who deliberately withhold wages or make illegal deductions, paralleling the consequences faced by workers involved in theft. “If workers who steal face jail—so should employers who do the same. That’s fairness,” he stated.
The Bill aims to safeguard international labour standards consistent with ILO Conventions 87 and 98, which are crucial in protecting workers’ rights to select between individual contracts and collective agreements. Anthony firmly noted that the choice should rest with workers rather than employers.
Moreover, Anthony called on employers in the tourism sector to ensure that their workers receive fair wages and benefits, particularly in light of the significant increases in accommodation and service costs over recent years. “Hotel prices have gone up by 200 to 400 percent, including meals and beverages, yet workers are not seeing the benefits,” he lamented, advocating for just compensation that aligns with rising living costs.
This proactive stance by the FTUC signals a commitment to achieving a more equitable labor landscape in Fiji, highlighting the importance of protecting worker rights and ensuring fair treatment across all sectors.