FTUC warns of national march over Employment Relations Bill delays

The Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) has warned it could stage a national march if the long-delayed Employment Relations Bill is not tabled and passed in parliament.

This follows fresh assurance from Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Minister Agni Deo Singh that the legislation will be tabled during Parliament’s August sitting.

The warning came after the FTUC convened an urgent meeting of its National Council on Saturday to discuss delays to the Employment Relations Bill, Wages Council Orders, the National Living Wage and the National Minimum Wage.

The council said it invited Mr Singh to explain the Government’s position after several commitments, including an earlier assurance by the Prime Minister that the Bill would be introduced during Parliament’s May sitting, were not met.

According to the FTUC, Mr Singh assured council members the Government remained committed to enacting the legislation, which has been before Parliament for more than a year.

The union said the Employment Relations Act reforms had been pending for more than 12 years and workers had been waiting for the Coalition Government to deliver on its promises for the past three years.

Mr Singh also told the council that appointments to the Wages Council would be completed within a month after the terms of the tripartite council expired.

The FTUC welcomed the Government’s plan to introduce a more transparent process to review the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, saying funding had been allocated for the exercise in this year’s Budget.

Council members also questioned the Government over the reduction in employers’ Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) contribution rates. According to the FTUC, Mr Singh said he hoped the contribution rate would be restored soon.

The FTUC also urged the Government to prioritise the Employment Relations Bill, saying it aligns with recommendations of the International Labour Organization Committee of Experts.

The union said it was still waiting for the Government to honour its commitment to restore tripartite representation on the FNPF Board.

“We call upon Government to progress the much-awaited legislation that will improve employment relations and workers’ rights in the country,” FTUC National Secretary Felix Anthony said.