The Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) has issued a strong statement alleging that the Parliamentary Sector Committee reviewing the Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill 2025 has shown “no urgency,” lacks independence, and is conducting its work in a manner “generally anti-union and anti-worker.”
FTUC National Secretary Felix Anthony said the union body has “lost faith” in the Committee’s handling of the Bill, which was referred to it nearly a month before public hearings began.
“The Committee clearly sees no urgency in its work nor does it understand its role,” Anthony said.
“The Deputy Chair seems to be behaving as a Tribunal, calling for evidence and making comments that appear biased against workers and unions.”
According to the FTUC, worker representatives were recently discouraged from speaking during hearings in Nasinu, with the Committee allegedly rushing through the session and restricting workers to raising only new issues, while employer representatives “were allowed to repeat points made many times before.”
Anthony also raised concerns about what he described as the Opposition’s unusual influence over the process.
“It is clear that the Opposition Party in Parliament is in charge.”
“The Chair’s powers seem to have been taken over by the Deputy Chair, who even restricts Ministry of Labour officials from offering full explanations.”
The FTUC further criticised the Committee for holding private consultations with selected employers in the Western Division.
“What was the need for these employers to be given special treatment? The Committee must not only profess to be independent but be seen to be independent,” Anthony said.
With submissions now extended until December 31, the FTUC says the Bill’s parliamentary debate—expected in November—faces further delay.
“This delay is intentional and plays to the delight of employers,” Anthony said.
“Workers have suffered for 16 years, and now the same people are deciding for them again.”
He called on the Government to intervene and honour its commitment to restore workers’ rights.
“We recall the Prime Minister’s words: ‘Workers’ rights are human rights and are not negotiable.’”
