The Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) has expressed its strong support for the Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill amidst criticisms related to the powers granted to labor inspectors. FTUC National Secretary Felix Anthony has addressed concerns labeling inspectors as having “unchecked authority,” terming these claims as exaggerated.
Anthony clarified that the Bill outlines specific roles and responsibilities for labor inspectors, primarily aimed at assisting both workers and employers in resolving potential labor law breaches. He emphasized that inspectors do not have the authority to impose immediate penalties; instead, they first issue improvement notices, providing employers the opportunity to address identified violations.
Addressing fears surrounding property confiscation, Anthony reassured that inspectors’ powers are limited to reviewing and copying wage records when necessary. He highlighted that inspections are conducted during regular working hours to ensure compliance within workplaces like factories and resorts, which is a standard procedure meant to uphold workplace standards.
Moreover, concerns regarding hefty penalties, particularly tied to wage theft, were also tackled by Anthony. He championed the moral responsibility to penalize employers who willfully withhold wages or enact illegal deductions, drawing a parallel to the consequences faced by employees engaged in theft. “If workers who steal face jail—so should employers who do the same. That’s fairness,” he asserted.
The Bill also aims to uphold international labor standards based on ILO Conventions 87 and 98, vital for protecting workers’ rights to choose between individual contracts and collective agreements. Anthony firmly stated that this essential decision should be made by workers and not dictated by employers.
In further comments, Anthony urged employers in the tourism sector to ensure equitable wages and benefits for their employees, especially given the considerable increase in accommodation and service costs in recent years. He pointed out the stark disparity, noting that while hotel prices have surged by 200 to 400 percent, workers have not seen a corresponding increase in their compensation. “Hotel prices have gone up, yet workers are not seeing the benefits,” he lamented, emphasizing the need for fair compensation that matches rising living expenses.
The FTUC’s proactive approach signifies a commitment to fostering a fairer labor environment in Fiji, emphasizing the crucial need for worker rights protection and fair treatment across all sectors. This effort presents a hopeful vision for an equitable future for all workers in the region.