Heads of schools have long endured the ‘talk down approach’, but this must now be a thing of the past.
Seasoned trade unionist and Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh highlighted this at the opening of the Fiji Principal’s Conference on Denarau, Nadi.
He reminded the principals the Government is here to listen to the people.
“Your government now is an inclusive government,” the minister said.
“You are now respected for who you are, and as heads of schools.
“Your knowledge and experience need to be recognised.
“You are holding those positions because you have the ability to lead your team and not be told every time what to do.
“I am sure those days of emails dropping in and saying, ‘make sure this is submitted by the end of business today’, I hope that has ended.
“If it hasn’t ended, it should end. I am sorry I have raised my voice because that is not the way to do things.”
Mr Singh said the Government was working hard to ensure labour laws are amended and reviewed to make sure that people’s lives and workers’ rights are respected.
“We have now revived the tripartite forum, which is a forum where workers’ reps, government reps and employers’ reps in equal numbers sit together and plan things out.
“We believe in mediating to ensure there is harmony with the workers.”
