The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) is taking proactive steps to ensure the voices of business owners and employers are heard in the ongoing review of Fiji’s labour laws. With a focus on the Employment Relations Act (2007) and the Work Care Bill (2024), FCEF has been organizing information sessions to facilitate meaningful contributions from stakeholders ahead of the consultation session organized by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity & Workplace Relations (MEPWR).

Ensuring Representation in Labour Law Reforms

In a significant move, FCEF held consultation sessions in the Central Division for the members of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) and in the Western Division, bringing together representatives from diverse industries. These discussions provided a platform for employers to express their concerns and aspirations regarding the proposed amendments to labour laws. By hosting these events, FCEF underscores its commitment to fostering dialogue between businesses, the government, and other stakeholders to ensure the reforms promote both worker protections and business sustainability.

Key Challenges Facing Employers

The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) believes that the recommended amendments could intensify several key challenges facing employers. These include:

1. High Cost of Doing Business: The proposed changes may introduce additional financial pressures, jeopardizing the profitability and survival of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
2. Labour and Skills Shortages: Employers across Fiji are struggling with a lack of skilled workers, further aggravated by delays in processing work permits for foreign workers.
3. Skills Mismatch: There is a persistent gap between the skills and knowledge of university graduates and the practical requirements of the workforce.
4. Behavioral Challenges: Employers continue to face issues such as absenteeism and declining work ethics, which impact workplace efficiency.
5. The slow processing of business applications and permits remains a major obstacle for investors and economic progress.
6. Low Productivity: Employers stress the need for reforms aimed at boosting workplace productivity while safeguarding workers’ rights.

These challenges, if left unaddressed, could undermine the competitiveness of Fiji’s businesses, deter investment, and ultimately affect job creation.

Advocating for Fair and Balanced Reforms

The message from FCEF is clear: advocating for reforms that are both fair and balanced. This means ensuring that the due process, including robust discussions at the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB), is upheld. Fairness requires that all stakeholders have a voice in shaping legislation, while balance demands a dual focus on safeguarding workers’ rights and fostering an environment conducive to business sustainability.

FCEF has also emphasized the need for reforms to address the practical realities faced by employers. Striking the right balance is essential for creating laws that protect employment opportunities while promoting economic growth.

Building a Sustainable Labour Market

As Fiji’s largest employer representative body, FCEF is steadfast in its commitment to advocating for policies that foster a sustainable labour market. This involves addressing systemic challenges such as skills shortages, and productivity gaps, while ensuring that workers’ rights are protected.

By facilitating dialogue and collaboration, FCEF is helping to lay the groundwork for reforms that will benefit all stakeholders. These efforts aim to create a labour market that is resilient, inclusive, and aligned with Fiji’s economic aspirations.

The Way Forward

The consultations on the Employment Relations Act (2007) and Work Care Bill (2024) are a crucial step towards achieving labour law reforms that are both progressive and practical. Employers are urged to participate actively in these discussions, leveraging the platforms provided by FCEF to share their insights and concerns.

Together, employers, workers, and policymakers can shape a labour framework that supports economic growth, protects workers’ rights, and ensures the sustainability of businesses.

To further continue the discussions and consultations, FCEF will again hold another exclusive 𝑷𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒐𝒓 𝑰𝒏𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 & 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝑺𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏 on the 𝑬𝒎𝒑𝒍𝒐𝒚𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑹𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝑨𝒄𝒕 (𝑬𝑹𝑨) 2007 and 𝑾𝒐𝒓𝒌 𝑪𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝑩𝒊𝒍𝒍 (𝑾𝑪𝑩) 2024 at Holiday In on 20th January 2025 from 7.30am to 12:00pm.

This session will feature Mr. Jon Apted, providing expert analysis, alongside input from the Ministry team, offering a comprehensive overview of the suggested changes.