The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations officially welcomed their new Minister, Honorable Agni Deo Singh, with a traditional iTaukei welcoming ceremony of ‘qaloqalovi’ and ‘sevusevu’ yesterday (28/12/22).
In his opening remarks, he briefly shared with the staff his humble beginnings growing up in the village of Niurua, in the province of Macuata, to motivate staff.
Minister Singh thanked the Permanent Secretary, his senior management team and staff for their hard work in ensuring that their key deliverables were achieved. He also reassured that the new Government will work on key changes needed to be in place in its first 100 days of Governance.
Amongst other key Ministry issues, he highlighted the need to continue the national tripartite forum to maintain good relationships both locally and internationally and the effective administration of the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB) and the National Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Board (NOHSAB).
In addition, he emphasised the urgency for the Labour Law review, which has been pending since 2015 and the need to strengthen workforce Productivity.
Furthermore, he assured staff of the removal of contracts and the extension of the retirement age to 60 years. The revitalising of wages councils will also be addressed and workers engaged in the Labour Mobility Scheme to be enhanced.
Minister Singh mentioned that although the removal of contracts and the movement of the retirement age to 60 years will be in place, it is important that staff maintain their terms and conditions of employment, adhere to the civil service code of conduct and high staff performance is very important.
Minister Singh also emphasised the importance of tripartism and according workers social justice through decent work.
He was overwhelmed by the welcoming ceremony accorded to him by the Permanent Secretary and staff, however, he stated that he was not a stranger to the Ministry, having served on numerous boards and panels that dealt with matters related to workers.