Unionists Advocate for Employment Act Reforms Against Wage Theft

Unionists support the amended Employment Relations Act to combat wage theft, with Sailesh Naidu emphasizing the need for serious penalties. Issues of skilled labor shortages in the banking sector and global economic challenges were also discussed during the annual general meeting.

Unionists are expressing strong support for the recently amended Employment Relations Act (ERA), which aims to address the issue of wage theft. Sailesh Naidu, the general secretary of the Finance Sector Managerial Staff Association, emphasized his personal involvement in the amendment process and endorsed the proposed changes. He highlighted the expectation that the draft Bill will be presented to Parliament for legislative approval shortly.

Naidu pointed out the importance of discussing wage theft, noting that nations like New Zealand enforce strict laws against such practices, setting a precedent for Fiji. He further indicated full support for the proposed penalties in the new legislation, stressing the need for serious consequences for wage theft.

During their recent annual general meeting in Suva, union officials discussed several pressing issues, including membership, a shortage of skilled workers, and work conditions. National president Anil Kumar reported on the notable exodus of skilled workers in the past two years, which has affected the banking sector significantly, creating gaps in customer service roles.

Kumar also addressed global economic concerns, particularly the trade war involving the United States and its major trading partners such as Canada, Mexico, China, and Europe. He warned that any adverse effects on China could reverberate through Australia and New Zealand, Fiji’s closest trading partners, possibly impacting the local economy. Nonetheless, Kumar noted an opportunity for these larger economies to offer favorable trade arrangements to smaller nations like Fiji to alleviate economic discrepancies caused by these global disruptions.

In summary, unionists, led by Sailesh Naidu, strongly endorse the amendments to the Employment Relations Act aimed at combating wage theft. Discussions at their annual general meeting revealed serious concerns regarding the impact of skilled labor shortages on the banking sector, alongside broader economic challenges presented by international trade issues. There is hope that these reforms will lead to stricter enforcement of regulations and improved working conditions for employees.

Original Source: www.fijitimes.com.fj