STRONG labour legislation protect workers from exploitation and promote fair wages, says Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh.
While opening the Pacific Labour Ministers Meeting (PLMM) in Nadi this week, Mr Singh called on regional leaders to ensure their labour laws were people centred.
“Labour laws are the foundation of social justice, workplace harmony and economic stability. Strong labour legislation protects workers from exploitation, promotes fair wages and safe working conditions, advances equality of opportunity, and provides employers with a stable and productive workforce,” said Mr Singh.
“At the same time, strong and democratic labour institutions build investor confidence, strengthen public trust and contribute to sustainable economic growth.
“Across the Pacific, our countries continue to face common labour market challenges. These include youth unemployment, labour and skills development, climate-related displacement, informal employment, gender inequality, occupational health and safety concerns, and the growing impact of technology and digital transformation on jobs and industries.”
He said the region was experiencing increasing labour challenges that needed national and regional solutions.
“We are also witnessing increasing labour migration both within and beyond our region, which requires stronger legal safeguards, ethical recruitment practices and enhanced regional co-operation to ensure the protection and welfare of migrant workers.
“As Pacific leaders, we must therefore ensure that our labour laws evolve alongside these emerging realities.
“Our legal and policy frameworks must remain relevant, balanced and people centred.
“They must support economic growth while upholding the dignity, rights and welfare of workers.”
He added the three-day regional discussions that began on May 11 will focus on these core issues.
“I firmly believe that the senior labour officials have engaged in intensive, constructive and insightful deliberations during the meeting over the past two days.
“The robust discussions, technical exchanges and sharing of experiences among officials and social partners would have greatly enriched the dialogue on decent work, labour and skills development, security, climate change and the future of work in our region.”
The theme of the PLMM was Designing our Destiny: A Just and Resilient Future of Work for the Blue Pacific.
