FIJI AND KIRIBATI STRENGTHEN TIES FOR BETTER EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS AND WORKER PROTECTION

Fiji has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with Kiribati and other Pacific Island countries to improve job opportunities, strengthen worker protection, and build fairer labour systems. This partnership is part of the Prime Minister’s initiative to rebuild ties with Kiribati and promote greater unity across the Pacific.

During discussions at the Pacific Regional Tripartite Employment Conference at Crowne Plaza, Kiribati sought Fiji’s support in key areas such as labour inspections to ensure safe and fair workplaces, training and capacity building to address challenges like child labour, staff exchange programs to strengthen learning, and assistance in resolving workplace disputes. To formalize this cooperation, both countries agreed to develop or revive a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will guide their partnership moving forward.

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations of Fiji, Hon. Agni Deo Singh, said the collaboration reflects Fiji’s commitment to share its knowledge and systems with its Pacific neighbours.

“Fiji stands ready to support Kiribati by sharing our experience in labour law review, dispute resolution processes, and occupational health and safety compliance. By reviving our earlier 2012 agreement, we can strengthen workplace safety, enhance labour inspections, and support labour migration in ways that benefit both our peoples,” he said.

Kiribati’s Minister for Employment and Human Resource Development, Hon. Auria Kitina welcomed Fiji’s support and emphasized the value of regional solidarity.

“Kiribati is grateful for Fiji’s willingness to walk alongside us as we strengthen our own labour systems. This partnership will help us build capacity, protect workers, especially those overseas and create fairer opportunities for our people. Working together, we can ensure that no Pacific worker is left behind,” he said.

Both Fiji and Kiribati stressed the importance of tripartism bringing government, employers, and workers together in decision-making. Fiji highlighted its efforts to strengthen its tripartite forum and wages council, while Kiribati acknowledged the need for its own tripartite partners to meet more regularly for effective collaboration.

The talks also highlighted the need for stronger protections for Pacific workers, particularly those working abroad. Fiji shared its recent adoption of a child labour law, while both countries emphasized the importance of ratifying international standards such as the ILO Convention 143. This convention would improve laws around worker migration, contracts, and repatriation, helping prevent difficult situations faced by Pacific workers overseas.

Another key outcome was the shared recognition of the need to raise the Pacific’s visibility within international organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO). Both ministers agreed that regional cooperation and solidarity are essential for amplifying Pacific voices, securing fair representation, and ensuring the unique challenges of the region, such as climate change, remoteness, and limited resources.

The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation and advancing the interests of Pacific workers.

Fiji and Kiribati stand united not only to strengthen our bilateral ties but also to build a stronger Pacific voice to champion the rights and well-being of our workers at home and abroad,