The Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) has expressed serious concern over what it describes as “intimidation tactics” used by Labour Officers against one of its members.
According to the FCEF, the incident involved a member who also serves as Chairperson of the Federation’s MSME Council. The member operates a media and video production company that produces interviews and programmes on national issues.
Last week, Labour Officers reportedly visited the business premises of the member, who had recently produced a video about the Employment Relations Bill that has since garnered over 10,000 views.
“This is very concerning and also a very good reason why FCEF is against the increased powers of Labour Officers in the Employment Relations Bill,” said FCEF Chief Executive Officer Edward Bernard.
FCEF said that of more than 25 businesses located in the same complex, only the member’s company was targeted.
According to the member, the Labour Officers asked about the type of videos being produced before requesting access to employment records, including wage books, employment contracts, and bank statements. When informed that the company operated online, the officers allegedly requested digital copies of the documents.
Bernard said the Federation’s opposition to Section 19A of the Employment Relations Bill stems from concerns that the proposed extension of powers to Labour Officers “breaches constitutional protections against unreasonable search and seizure and undermines the separation of powers.”
He said the Federation stands firm that “such intimidation tactics must stop” and reiterated calls for Labour Officers to remain subject to the same legal limitations as other law enforcement agencies.
