THE Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF) has decried the “limited timeframe” given by Government for public consultation of two important legislations.
The Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024 are to be put to public scrutiny from January 8 to January 17, 2025.
In a statement issued yesterday, FCEF said the timeframe was “unrealistic”.
“In the spirit of transparency, true social dialogue and genuine consultations, I have strongly urged the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity & Workplace Relations to defer the consultations to early February 2025 and release the draft Bills, so that the public, workers and businesses can prepare well and contribute effectively to the consultations”, FCEF chief executive officer Edward Bernard said.
FCEF is concerned that the non-disclosure of both draft Bills will not only limit the depth of public, workers and business engagement but also impact investor confidence and employment opportunities.
In his letter, Mr Bernard highlighted that the three hours allocated for each city and town is not adequate.
“It is unrealistic for municipal businesses networks in cities and towns to make effective representation of their members, within the three hours allocated for the public,” he said.
“Many businesses in the Western Division have been impacted by the floods and expecting them to prepare and make submissions as early as January is unrealistic.
“Two important legislations of high importance are being rushed through and at a time when businesses are opening up after the festive season — at the expenses of workers, businesses, even government as an employer, investors and our future workforce.
“Employers, both private sector and Government will need time to prepare and effectively participate in the consultations,” Mr Bernard said.
He acknowleged the ministry’s efforts to roll out national consultations but expressed concerns that the Work Care Bill 2024 has not been discussed at the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB).
“As a tripartite member of the ERAB, the employers have not been consulted, nor do we know the contents of the Bill and if there are any implications to the ERA review.”
Mr Bernard said FCEF had also strongly urged the ministry to withdraw the Work Care Bill 2024, share the draft Bill and table it for discussion at the next ERAB meeting
NOTE: This article was first published in the print edition of the Fiji Times dated December 28, 2024.
