Gaps in ERA relating to women's issues must be addressed - Anthony

Fiji Trades Union Congress National Secretary, Felix Anthony says the proposed amendments to the Employment Relations Act is long overdue and he approves to most of it but there are a few gaps, especially with relation to women's issues.

While speaking to the media following a public consultation session on the ERA at the Suva Civic Centre, Anthony says menstruation leave ought to be separate from sick leave as it is not a sickness.

He says it should be treated separately and women must be given that leave.

The National Secretary says we must recognise the problem that currently exists and address that and three days is not sufficient, but they understand that it's only a start.

While supporting a suggestion from a BSP Life employee during the consultation, Anthony says there must be support for domestic violence victims where leave must be separate from their sick leave.

While also responding to the BSP Life employee's suggestion that the employer does not have control over outsiders sexually harassing their staff at work, Anthony says that employers have the responsibility to protect their staff at the workplace.

Public consultations on the Employment Relations Act and the Work Care Bill 2024 continues.