The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation says new labour laws must be fair and realistic for Fiji’s economy.
FCEF Chief Executive Officer Edward Bernard says while international labour rules are important, it should not create heavy or costly requirements for a small island country like Fiji.
Bernard says it is not right for the Fiji Trades Union Congress to keep saying that everything must match international rules exactly, even if it means higher fines and strict criminal penalties.
He says Fiji has already made big steps to follow International Labour Organization standards.
Bernard says if there are still any parts of the law that do not meet ILO standards, no one has yet shown a proper report or gap analysis to prove it.
When questioned by fijivillage News, FTUC National Secretary Felix Anthony says the new labour laws is a commitment that the Fijian government gave to ILO, and the employers are obligated to its conventions.
Anthony says he is surprised with FCEF’s statement, adding that every member of the ILO is obligated to respect these ILO conventions.
