The Fiji Women’s Rights Movement is calling for a review of the time allocated to nursing mothers under the Employment Relations Act, noting that 10 minutes is insufficient for women to travel and breastfeed, and is also urging the inclusion of ILO provisions to ensure paid nursing breaks and the establishment of breastfeeding facilities at or near workplaces.
While making submissions to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic Affairs, FWRM Executive Director Nalini Singh says according the Bill, no employer shall compel a pregnant or a breastfeeding women to perform work which may harm the health of the woman or her child.
It states that an employer who contravenes this act is liable for fines.
Singh also highlighted the proposed provision in the Bill that a woman who returns to her workplace after maternity leave is entitled to at least one paid daily break of not more than 30 minutes, in addition to other breaks, and access to facilities, where practicable, to breastfeed, nurse her child or express milk for up to three months.
She says they welcome the inclusion of specific provisions that cover women that work while being pregnant and nursing, but they recommend a review of the current allocation of 30 minutes.
The Executive Director says in some instances, women find it difficult to breastfeed their child when under pressure, stressed or due to health related issues.
She says these factors can cut into the allocated time stipulated which makes it unreasonable for women.
Singh also says that most workplaces in Fiji do not have facilities to accommodate women who need space to express and store breast milk for later use.
