Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, has assured stakeholders that there is “no need to panic” over proposed changes to the Employment Relations Act.
Responding to concerns about the role of the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB), Prof Prasad said the Coalition Government had taken a deliberate approach to ensure inclusive dialogue before any legislative amendments were finalised.
“I think the first thing I want to say is that we have a robust consultative process. I think that’s what this Government believes in,” he said.
“We are not ramping things or shoving things down the throat of any sector of our economy.”
He noted the government has approached all legislative reforms with caution and engagement, especially when dealing with laws previously imposed without consultation.
“Some legislations have been in effect regardless of how they were imposed. Things have changed, people have gotten used to those changes, and as a government we understand that well.”
Prof Prasad confirmed the proposed changes to the Employment Relations Act have not yet gone before Parliament and stressed that even once tabled, further review will take place.
“If it goes to Parliament, there is another robust process.
“It goes to the Standing Committee (of) Parliament (and they) will have another round of consultations.”
The Finance Minister reaffirmed the importance of maintaining tripartite consensus, noting that government is not only a policymaker but also a major employer.
“It’s in our interest to have legislation that is in the interest of everyone, the workers, the employers, and the Government.”
He added that while not every stakeholder may agree on every element of the proposed legislation, the ongoing dialogue would help build a law that is broadly acceptable.
“In the final analysis, we want a document, a law, with which all of us can live with.”
