The proposed Employment Relations Act (ERA) amendments could have far-reaching implications for government officials, including permanent secretaries and other employers across Fiji.

One of the key concerns raised is how the changes will directly affect permanent secretaries, who, under the Constitution, are responsible for employing civil servants in their ministries.

“These new rules in the ERA will apply to permanent secretaries and make them liable for these changes. It’s not just big companies like The Fiji Times; it’s all of us who have somebody working for us in our house,” said lawyer Jon Apted on The Lens@177 programme.

Critics argue that the consultation process for the amendments has been inadequate, leaving affected stakeholders with limited time and understanding to respond to the proposed changes.

“Well, you can’t really challenge this. There’s no legal right to consultation before a Bill is finalised and taken to Parliament.

“The remedy for anybody who is unhappy is to vote against the government. The government is politically accountable for making sure its legislation meets the needs of its voters, and the voters are satisfied that the process has been fair.”