The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relation, Agni Deo Singh, says there were hindrances in the past regarding the Employment Relations Advisory Board meetings, including the composition of its members and the absence of the consultative process between the tripartite members.
The Minister highlighted this at the first Employment Relations Advisory Board meeting for 2023 which was held at the Holiday Inn, Suva.
Singh says the tripartite board consists of employees, workers and Government as the representatives.
He says that previously the employees and union were not supported by the Government and meetings could not be convened, resulting in many uncalled unilateral decisions that impinged on the rights of workers and employers that gave a bad image of the tripartite process under the Employment Relations Act 2007.
Singh adds they will now change through the set up of a genuine tripartite body that will consult all their stakeholders.
The Minister says ERAB and the Coalition Government will maintain its essence and principles to ensure that the employment-related policies and processes are equitable and inclusive through effective social dialogue and good faith employment relations.
He says they are working to ensure the Wages Council will be provided with a platform to discuss the minimum wage setting in Fiji.
He adds that the current wage rate will be part of the discussion for the ERAB.
The Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Employment, Atish Kumar, says ERAB plays a pivotal role in advising policies, processes and procedures.
Kumar says the new ERAB membership is appointed to ensure that just and fair decisions to develop laws, policies and better employment relations for workers and traders.
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