The Government is working with employers on possible avenues to reduce the impact of the COVID 19 pandemic on employment.
This includes proposing reduced work hours, job sharing and usage of leave entitlements.
Minister for Employment, Hon. Parveen Kumar highlighted this during the 2020 World Occupation Health and Safety day at Civic House today.
“We urge employers to consider these alternatives. It is also important that we follow the employment laws and regulations that is in place, and that our workers are not denied their rights.”
With the 2020 OHS Day theme “Stop the pandemic – Safety and Health at Work can save lives,” Minister Kumar added that the Fijian Government has placed the health of all Fijians first, as they remain committed to the economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Since 9th March 2020, before Fiji’s first case on 19th March, my Ministry has been conducting COVID-19 workplace awareness to both employees and workers.”
“We prioritised in three phases moved from the most vulnerable workplaces such as airports, seaports, hotels, supermarkets financial institutions, public transport, manufacturers, shopping malls, restaurants and banks.”
Minister Kumar added to date, the COVID-19 awareness has covered some 1,536 employers with 9,989 workers. Covering all the essential and non-essential industries.
“The work continues in this area and we will review this approach at the end of the next 6 months.”