A LOT of human resources practitioners are fearful of trade unionists, says Fiji Human Resources Institute president Kameli Batiweti.
While speaking during a question and answer session at the BSP Life FHRI Convention in Nadi last Friday, he explained that a HR practitioner should work with trade unions to reach an amicable solution that met the employer and employee’s interests.
“Over the years, I have learned that if you develop a credible relationship with the unions, they will be able to listen and discuss their issues with you,” he said.
“It is important that you maintain your credibility with them as well. What this is ‘mean what you say, is say what you mean’.
“If you have credibility, anything what you say to the union will be accepted but if you don’t have any credibility, then you won’t have a good relationship with them.
“If you can’t do it, don’t promise them.”
More than 500 FHRI members were part of the convention held at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa on Denarau.
Mr Batiweti said the convention was about enlarging a HR practitioner’s perception on their role in running an organisation.
“The progress in the arena has been impressive over the past decade and the concept of having HR personnel merely filling and keeping records has now evolved to having HR practitioners at the strategic level.”
He said the challenge for HR professionals was to reshape the business into an employer of choice.
“That’s the fundamental challenge. If you do that then you will see success with all the main aspects of the employment and business lifecycle.”
The theme of the Convention is ‘HR –– Driving Success in a Challenging Business Environment’.
