FIJI’S Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations this week marked the 10th year anniversary of its mediation services.
Ministry permanent secretary Osea Cawaru said the service was established in 2009 in fulfilling the legal obligation under its reformed Employment Relations Act 2007 as a conflict resolution mechanism between employers and workers in supporting successful employment relationships and the obligation of good faith.
“I acknowledge the support of Government, its foresight and political will, to expedite and bring to fruition the outcomes of the Labour Reforms,” Mr Cawaru said.
“The Mediation Service over the last 10 years has received over 10,000 cases on employment grievances and employment disputes with a resolution rate averaging 80 per cent.
“This resolution rate, I envision will be improved to 90-100 per cent in years to come.
“Fiji has signed the ratification of the Singapore Convention on Mediation and was the first country to notify of the signing. It marks an important milestone for Fiji in the resolution of International Trade Disputes and the enforcement of settlement agreements.”
The Annual Mediation Training provided by Singapore Mediation Centre and facilitated by the Mediation Services since 2009 is testimony to government’s full support for the promotion of mediation.
The ministry’s mediation service has a total of seven Mediators including the Chief Mediator with offices located nationwide.
