Government will not tolerate the exploitation, discrimination, or unfair treatment of workers, says Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Mr Rabuka told the International Trade Union Confederation Asia Pacific Regional Council meeting in Nadi yesterday that the Government was reviewing and strengthening the country’s labour and enforcement capacity to ensure every worker on Fijian soil was treated fairly according to law, and that decency at work should know no borders.
He said the Government was working closely with both Australia and New Zealand to ensure safe and fair working conditions, adequate housing and support, and strong monitoring of ethical recruitment and employer practices.
Mr Rabuka said the Government was also working on reviewing the Employment Relations Act to ensure alignment with International Labour Organization (ILO) core conventions, restoring the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining, addressing barriers to union registration and operations, and strengthening labour inspection systems and dispute resolution mechanisms to ensure fairness and justice at all levels.
“We are doing this through open and good faith dialogue with our tripartite partners. Together we will build a better way forward.”
Mr Rabuka said automation, AI, digital platforms, climate transitions, and demographic shifts were reshaping and recalibrating the world of employment.
“For small island economies like ours, this brings both disruption and opportunity.
“Our government is investing in skills development and vocational training, especially for youth and women, green and blue economy initiatives that create decent work while protecting our environment.”
Mr Rabuka said this included digital inclusion strategies to bridge the technology divide and social protection reforms to ensure no worker was left behind, especially in times of crisis.
