Employers raise concerns as new bill proposes double pay on public holidays and alternative day off

Employers in Savusavu have raised concerns about a newly proposed Employment Relations Bill which provides double pay and an alternative day off for employees working on public holidays.

The employers say that the requirement for an alternative day off will negatively impact business operations and long-term sustainability.

The Ministry of Employment has emphasized that the Bill is still in its proposal stage, inviting stakeholders and the public to share their views during consultations or through written submissions.

The Bill proposes increasing annual leave entitlements from 10 to 12 days, a change expected to benefit both workers and employers.

Meanwhile, a team from the Ministry is in Sigatoka and Nadi today to conduct consultations, another team will be in Lautoka and Ba tomorrow while another in Tavua and Rakiraki on Wednesday.

They will then be in Nausori on Thursday afternoon, then in Suva and Navua on Friday to inform stakeholders and the public about the proposed amendments to both the Employment Relations Act 2007 and the Work Care Bill 2024.