The Fiji Trades Union Congress has warned it may organise a national march if the long-delayed Employment Relations Bill continues to stall in Parliament.
The warning follows an urgent FTUC National Council meeting held on Saturday, where members raised concerns over delays in progressing the Bill, sectoral wages council orders, the National Minimum Wage and the proposed National Living Wage.
FTUC National Secretary Felix Anthony says workers have been waiting for Government commitments to be fulfilled for the past three years, with reforms to the Employment Relations Act pending for more than 12 years.
Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Agni Deo Singh was also present at the meeting to clarify the Government's position on the outstanding issues.
Anthony says the Minister assured the Council that the Employment Relations Bill will be presented during the August sitting of Parliament and that the Government remains committed to enacting the legislation.
He says the Minister informed members that the appointment of Wages Council members will be completed within a month, after the terms of the previous tripartite council members expired.
The FTUC says it welcomes the Government's commitment to develop a transparent approach to revising the National Minimum Wage and establishing the National Living Wage, with funding allocated in the 2026-2027 National Budget for the process.
The Council also raised concerns regarding the reduction of employer contributions to the Fiji National Provident Fund.
Anthony says the Minister indicated that he hopes the contribution rate will be restored soon.
The FTUC is calling on the Government to prioritise the Employment Relations Bill, saying it aligns with recommendations made by the International Labour Organisation's Committee of Experts.
Anthony says the union movement is still awaiting the Government's commitment to ensure the FNPF Board composition becomes tripartite.
