Sailesh Naidu, the national secretary of the Finance Sector Managerial Staff Association, has raised alarms regarding the detrimental effects of short-term employment contracts on job security and worker livelihoods. During the Employment Relations Amendment Act consultations held in Lautoka, Naidu underscored the trade union movement’s opposition to such contracts, particularly against a backdrop of labor shortages in various sectors across Fiji.
Naidu asserted that every worker deserves the right to join a trade union and be covered by collective agreements negotiated between unions and employers. He praised the government for its decision to abolish short-term contracts within the civil service following the 2022 General Elections. However, he expressed concern about the continued use of fixed-term contracts by major employers, including Energy Fiji Limited and certain municipal councils, despite opposition from unions.
The union leader highlighted that these short-term contracts can be misused, putting undue pressure on workers to enhance their performance in hopes of contract renewal. This coercive situation, he argued, closely resembles forced labor practices.
In light of these issues, Naidu has voiced strong support for amendments aimed at strengthening workers’ rights to unionize and promoting fair and stable employment conditions. The expectation is that these proposed legal changes will create a more just workplace, benefiting both employees and employers.
Alongside these discussions, the Fiji Trades Union Congress has echoed Naidu’s concerns regarding the proposed amendments to fixed-term contracts. They argue that such changes could weaken existing worker protections and pave the way for exploitative practices. There is a united call for balanced legislation that accurately reflects the challenges faced by both workers and employers while tackling persistent issues like wage theft and unfair labor practices.
The ongoing dialogues represent a pivotal effort to improve labor standards in Fiji, with stakeholders remaining hopeful that constructive discussions will yield amendments to labor laws, resulting in an equitable work environment that solidifies protections for workers while enabling businesses to flourish. This collective approach underlines a commitment to fostering sustainable employment practices, ensuring a better future for all involved in Fiji’s workforce.