Minister for Employment, Parveen Bala is appealing with employers to abide by their obligations and to comply with all the provisions of the Employment Relations Act.
He says the COVID-19 pandemic in no way or form changes any of the provisions and their obligations to the law and employees.
Bala says his Ministry will continue to ensure compliance and to make sure that any breaches are addressed under the law.
International Labour Organization’s Director for Office of the South Pacific, Matin Karimly says if countries fail to protect the world economy the implications will be long lasting.
He says according to their estimates 305 million jobs worldwide will be lost by mid-year.
Meanwhile the Ministry of Employment has today revealed that 140 enumerators will conduct door to door survey at work places and will collect data as to how many people have been impacted by loss of jobs, reduced hours of work, leave without pay, unpaid time-off, paid time-off, job sharing or job rotation and working from home.
However the Fiji Trades Union Congress did not attend the launch.
Minister for Employment, Parveen Bala who launched the survey this morning says this survey will take place from this Wednesday till 19th June and will cover the Central, Western and Northern divisions.
Bala says this exercise is geared to collect data and information so they can make informed decisions regarding work places and employment relations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He says it will also provide a solid foundation to continue with innovative solutions.
Bala says this survey is implemented to achieve a maximum number of participation out of the 24,000 registered employers.
Meanwhile Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Osea Cawaru says FTUC was also invited to be part of the launch and have discussions with Bala but did not show up.
FTUC National Secretary, Felix Anthony says they did not attend the launch because he wanted a meeting before the launch.
