Bala Unhappy With Employment Law Reform

The government’s proposed overhaul of Fiji’s employment laws has sparked a war of words between Deputy Opposition Leader Hon Parveen Bala and Minister for Employment Hon Agni Deo Singh, with Bala accusing the government of betraying tripartite values and pushing through the draft law without genuine consultation.

The Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill, which is expected to be tabled in Parliament in June, has already been rejected by the Fiji Commerce & Employers Federation (FCEF). The Federation has raised concerns over inadequate consultation, the timing of document circulation, and key provisions in the draft that it says could harm businesses and investor confidence.

Hon Bala, echoing these concerns, said the government had abandoned its commitment to social partnership.

“This government came into power promising true tripartism—yet they’ve abandoned it,” Bala said in a statement.

“The Minister for Employment no longer stands by his own words. What we’re witnessing is a government ticking boxes while bulldozing through laws that serve their political interests.”

The Opposition MP said the Federation’s rejection of the Bill proved that the process lacked credibility.

“Minister Agni Deo Singh claims there’s been extensive dialogue, but the FCEF says they only had one meeting and were given the documents far too late for proper analysis. That’s not consultation. That’s deception,” Bala said.

The draft Bill includes contentious provisions such as absolute liability clauses, excessive fines, and what Bala described as disproportionate enforcement powers. He warned that the Bill would hurt the economy and cost jobs.

“These clauses will strangle small businesses, discourage investment, and ultimately cost Fijian jobs. At a time when our economy needs stability and confidence, this government is doing the opposite," claimed Bala.

Hon Bala posed three key questions to the government:

1. Why the rush to pass the Bill in June despite opposition from key stakeholders?

2. Where is the evidence of genuine tripartite consultation?

3. Will the Prime Minister step in to halt what Bala described as an “attack on social partnership”?

Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh had earlier defended the government’s approach, insisting that the Bill has undergone a thorough and balanced review process.

Singh told fijivillage that the government was not trying to please any particular group, but to ensure the law serves all Fijians fairly.

“We are not here for a pleasing exercise. We are here to ensure the law is balanced and fair — and that is exactly what we are doing,” Singh said.

He confirmed that the Bill had passed through Cabinet and the legislative subcommittee, and is now with the Solicitor-General’s Office before it proceeds to Parliament.

“As far as the government is concerned, we have done our consultation. When there is a difference, it is the government's call.”

We have sent questions to Minister Singh regarding Hon Bala's statement.