The Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations & Employment, Mr Jone Usamate held public consultations yesterday in Labasa to address issues regarding employment.
In line with government’s commitment in bringing its services to the people of Fiji, the Minister emphasised the importance of ensuring social justice, good faith employment relations, safe and productivity driven workplaces in Fiji.
At this consultation, the Minister highlighted that employers and workers should fully exploit the current machineries such as the Mediation Services within the Ministry, to resolve disputes and grievances and at the same time create good faith employment relations.
He also stressed the need to collectively address child labour which he pointed out affects the development of each child engaged in labour practices.
At the consultations, the Minister received issues on unpaid wages, hours of work, overtime pay, unfair termination and requests for the clarification of labour laws.
“To build a better Fiji, it is my responsibility to ensure that workers are treated with fairness and not discriminated against in whatever field of employment they are in,” said Mr. Usamate.
The Minister also held meeting with the Labasa Chamber of Commerce and the CEO of the Labasa Town Council discussing ways how the Ministry can assist in developing decent, productive and safe workplaces.
The Minister is currently meeting with the Seaqaqa general public at the Seaqaqa Police Bure and will later meet the people of Nabouwalu at 2pm, to conclude his Northern tour.
-ENDS-