Human resources managers from around the country were yesterday reminded that certain laws exist in Fiji which do not allow any unfair treatment of workers.

Suva lawyer and former president of the Fiji Law Society Devanesh Sharma while giving a presentation at the Fiji Human Resources Institute said proper disciplinary procedures needed to be in place in all organisations.

Mr Sharma said employers also needed to be aware that advertising vacancy based on gender was discriminatory.

He said that despite this, many employers even today continued to advertise vacancies seeking out specific gender. Example, vacancy for a salesgirl.

He also reminded those present that any contract drawn up not done in good faith and blatantly in favour of the employers can always be challenged.

“Employment is based on the principles of contracts.

“In contract law, the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing is a general presumption that the parties to a contract all deal with each other honestly, fairly and in good faith so as to not destroy the right of the other party to receive the benefits of the contract.”

Mr Sharma said inaccurate job descriptions can also be challenged.

“Unhappy employee will leave if they are being asked to undertake jobs for which they did not apply, and it will have been a shameful waster of the employer’s time and money.”

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