Concerns about fairness, accountability, and worker entitlements were raised during public consultations on the Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill in Levuka.
Ravuama Nagatalevu of Nasova Village, Levuka, welcomed the inclusion of a clause in the Bill that penalises anyone who absconds without paying employees, saying it will help prevent dishonest employers from avoiding their responsibilities.
However, he also suggested that accountability measures should apply to everyone, not just employers.
Nagatalevu also raised the issue of long service leave, a benefit that many civil servants once enjoyed but was removed under contract-based employment arrangements.
He suggested that it should be brought back, especially since the contract system has been shelved.
Responding to his concerns, Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic Affairs Deputy Chair and MP Premila Kumar said the Bill already includes provisions covering trade union registration, member rights, and the process for closing or merging unions.
On the issue of long service leave, Kumar says the government must consider financial sustainability before reinstating the entitlement.
Despite differing views, both speakers agreed that the laws should protect workers while also supporting a sustainable and fair employment system for the future.
