The Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) has expressed urgent concerns regarding the slow progress of the Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill 2025. FTUC Secretary General Felix Anthony addressed the Standing Committee on Economic Affairs in Suva, emphasizing that workers and trade unions have been waiting for over 15 years for this critical legislation to be passed. He urged the committee to prioritize the bill, which he believes is essential for the welfare of workers in Fiji.
Anthony raised questions about the lack of prompt action from relevant stakeholders since the bill has been publicly available for nearly four weeks. He cautioned against what he termed “delaying tactics,” stressing that if interested parties had genuine intentions to expedite discussions, they would have engaged with the content of the bill by now.
This call for a swift resolution is echoed by other labor leaders in Fiji, such as Daniel Urai, the head of the National Union of Hospitality, Catering and Tourism Industries Employees. Urai, too, has been vocal about the need for labor law reforms that have seen extensive discussions without any concrete outcomes for more than a decade. He expressed optimism that ongoing consultations could pave the way for significant legal changes.
Premila Kumar, Deputy Chairperson of the Committee, acknowledged Anthony’s concerns but clarified that the committee is balancing multiple legislative priorities. She pointed out that they are also working towards finalizing the Credit Union Bill for submission to Parliament in November. Kumar emphasized the necessity of consulting with various stakeholders to ensure all perspectives are considered before finalizing the Employment Relations Amendment Bill.
While engaging with submissions from employers, unions, and other stakeholders, the Standing Committee is committed to preparing a comprehensive report for Parliament. Even with the challenges inherent in the consultation process, these discussions signify a collective determination towards legislative reforms aimed at enhancing labor rights. The FTUC remains resolute in its advocacy for workers, aiming for timely and impactful legislation that could transform the workplace environment in Fiji and strengthen the economy.