In line with government ‘s commitment towards creating more accessibility for the public to government’s services and facilities, the Ministry of Labour met this week with the public in the northern division to discuss issues related to labour and employment matters.
The Minister for Labour Mr Jone Usamate is leading a tour to Savusavu and highlighted that his presence there this week is to listen to the general public and identify suitable solutions and recommendations.
“My Ministry ensures that its Vision is achieved in ensuring social justice, good faith employment relations, safe and productivity-driven workplaces in Fiji;” the Minister said.
“My intent is to look at these issues and see how well we can work towards in achieving them”.
In this week’s public consultation the Minister received issues concerning the terms and conditions of employment such as unfair dismissal, workers compensation, injuries sustained during working hours, non deductions of FNPF and unpaid allowances,
The Minister also met with the Savusavu Town Council CEO and his senior officers. They discussed how the Ministry and the Council could assist each other and improve service delivery to the people of Savusavu.
“One of the issues raised by the Council was the safety of vendors servicing passengers embarking and disembarking the ferries. The Council needs to consider providing temporary sheds located away from the loading area for the selling of food at the Savusavu wharf, to ensure the safety of the vendors and their customers”, said Mr. Usamate.
This way, the Council and the ministry can assist in the livelihoods of the vendors by providing them with a risk free and safe environment for selling their goods in order to provide for their families.
Minister Usamate will meet with business houses in Taveuni today and participate in a public consultation at 3pm today at the Holy Cross Hall.
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