The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations has rejected claims made by the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) regarding the conduct of its Labour Officers, saying the allegations are “incorrect and misleading.”
FCEF had alleged Ministry staff had carried out an inspection on a business that is owned by a FCEF member. The business had produced a video on the controversial Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill 2025.
Minister for Employment, Agni Deo Singh, said the Ministry had conducted an internal investigation following the concerns raised by FCEF and confirmed that inspections were carried out lawfully and fairly.
“A normal routine inspection was conducted by two of our labour officers, and we wish to confirm that three other workplaces in that same premises were also inspected. The allegations that the FCEF member alone was targeted are incorrect,” Minister Singh said.
He clarified that the officers did not question the employer about a “video being produced” but instead asked about the nature of business, which is standard practice during inspections.
The inspection report, he said, revealed clear breaches of the Employment Relations Act 2007 — including failure to maintain wage and time records under Section 45, and failure to provide wage statements to workers under Section 44.
“These were not minor administrative oversights but core legal requirements designed to prevent worker exploitation and ensure transparency.”
Minister Singh said the Ministry would “defend officers executing their lawful duties” and urged FCEF to seek clarification before making public statements.
“We remain open to constructive dialogue that strengthens compliance and promotes harmony in Fiji’s workplaces,” he said.
