Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) national secretary Felix Anthony has lauded efforts by stakeholders to convene the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB).
The newly established board brings together 15 representatives from Government, employers and workers to discuss and pave the way forward for guaranteed freedoms and rights accorded to all parties.
In line with Convention 144 of the International Labour Organization (ILO) on tripartite consultation, ERAB now has the mammoth task of restoration of worker freedoms, review of labour laws and wage rates.
Mr Anthony said they were committed to the board and the hard yards that followed.
“Let me say on behalf of the Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) we are committed to this board we’re committed to work hard on this and to deliver to the workers of this country. Of course, this board has no easy task,” he said.
“I’m glad that we are finally getting the ERAB back to work, I’m pleased with the commitment that the employers, the Government and ILO have committed to today. I think that’s encouraging, we certainly hope that we can get down to work and deliver to the workers of this country.”
Representing the workers of the country on the board are Mr Anthony, and prominent unionists such as Attar Singh, Daniel Urai, Latileta Gaga and Semisi Turagabaleti.
“We certainly know the weaknesses in the law which some bad employers have taken advantage of to deny workers their rights. We intend to address those shortcomings in the law so that employers are not gong get away with denying workers their rights and not only that but discriminating them for joining the union or wanting to form a union.
“I think it’s important that the message we send to the workers today is that it is their fundamental right to join a union, to collectively bargain with employers and no employer should make it a condition of employment that they can’t be in the union or even discriminate against them.”
