The Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) has raised significant concerns regarding what it describes as a misleading campaign waged by employers against the Employment Relations Amendment Bill No. 27. National Secretary Felix Anthony emphasized that this campaign reveals a lack of understanding and bad faith among employers, particularly from the Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation (FCEF). He pointed out that the proposed amendments to the Bill arose from a robust 15-year consultation process, during which nearly 80% of the changes were agreed upon by the employers themselves.
Anthony criticized the FCEF for attempting to revisit already settled issues and spreading misinformation about the Bill, stating that some employers have not fully engaged with its content and are merely echoing the federation’s talking points. In response to claims that the Bill consists of 190 amendments, Anthony clarified that most align with international labor standards, specifically citing the ILO Maritime Labour Convention, Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment, as well as recommendations from the ILO Committee of Experts. These provisions had been previously endorsed in Memorandums of Understanding by all Tripartite Partners in 2012 and 2013.
The amendments are designed to fortify workers’ rights, defining unfair dismissal and enhancing fair hearing protocols, while also establishing clear procedures for strikes, including mandates for secret ballots and notice requirements. According to Anthony, these measures create a balanced approach to labor relations, protecting both employee and employer interests.
Anthony reminded employers of their obligations under ILO Conventions 87 and 98, which guarantee freedom of association and collective bargaining—a commitment also enshrined in the national Constitution. The FTUC has defended the bargaining fee provision within the Bill, arguing it serves to prevent “union-busting” practices by ensuring that union members who pay fees can benefit from union-negotiated agreements, while not forcing anyone to join a union.
Addressing concerns regarding workforce productivity, Anthony stated that true advancements cannot occur while employees are paid “poverty wages.” He advocated for increased investment in training, skills development, and equitable wage structures, asserting that productivity improvements cannot be implemented through legislation alone. He called upon employers to abandon fear tactics surrounding wage reviews and potential regulatory changes, highlighting the challenges faced by trade unions over the past 16 years under previous government regimes that allegedly suppressed union activities.
In light of these developments, the FTUC is urging both the government and employers to uphold their commitments to maintaining workers’ rights and ensuring adherence to international labor standards. This dialogue not only signals a pivotal moment for labor relations in Fiji but also sets the groundwork for potential reforms that promise to enhance the lives of workers across various sectors in the nation.