Sailesh Naidu, the national secretary of the Finance Sector Managerial Staff Association, has voiced concerns regarding short-term employment contracts, emphasizing the negative impact these agreements have on job and livelihood security for workers. Speaking during the Employment Relations Amendment Act consultations in Lautoka, Naidu highlighted the trade union movement’s stance against such contracts amid a noticeable shortfall of workers in various sectors across Fiji.
Naidu articulated that every worker should have the right to join a trade union and be safeguarded under collective agreements negotiated between the union and employers. He commended the government for its decision after the 2022 General Elections to eliminate short-term contracts within the civil service but expressed worry over the persistence of fixed-term contracts among significant employers like Energy Fiji Limited and some municipal councils, despite union objections.
He articulated that these short-term contracts could be exploited, pressuring workers to consistently improve their performance for the sake of contract renewal. This coercive environment, Naidu argued, resembles practices akin to forced labor.
Consequently, he expressed strong support for amendments that would bolster workers’ rights to unionize and ensure fair and stable employment conditions. The overarching hope is that the proposed legal adjustments will foster a more equitable workplace, benefitting both employees and their employers.
In connection with ongoing labor discussions, the Fiji Trades Union Congress has also raised alarms about proposed changes to fixed-term contracts, echoing similar sentiments. They contend that these changes dilute existing protections for workers and could allow for exploitative practices to flourish. There is a collective call for balanced legislation reflecting the realities faced by both workers and employers while addressing long-standing issues like wage theft and unfair labor practices.
The ongoing dialogues signify a crucial step towards enhancing labor standards in Fiji. Stakeholders are optimistic that through constructive discussions, amendments to labor laws can lead to an equitable working environment, reinforcing protections for workers while allowing businesses to thrive.