PS CHAND ADVOCATES FOR TRIPARTITE APPROACH AT REGIONAL CONFERENCE

NADI – “The Conference will foster a tripartite approach to addressing labour-related challenges and leveraging growth opportunities in the Pacific region.”

Permanent Secretary for Civil Service and Public Enterprise Mr.Parmesh Chand made this statement while opening the 2024 Public Service International (PSI) Oceania Sub-Regional Advisory Committee Conference (OSRAC) And APREC in Nadi this morning.

Mr. Chand stated that the Conference is bringing together 50 participants from six Pacific Island countries to dialogue and exchange ideas that will improve the working environment in their respective nations.

“The Conference will be laser-focused on addressing climate justice, labour migration, insourcing and fighting privatization, indigenous workers, International Labour standards and capacity building and organizing,” Mr.Chand said.

He adds that Government has implemented several mechanisms to address labour migration and other labour-related challenges within the Civil Service.

“Government removed contractual conditions and implemented tenure service. Government implemented a salary adjustment by committing to a pay increase ranging from 7 to 20 percent. Government implemented the Internship and Graduate Trainee programme for our qualified population to fill in the skills gaps.”

Mr.Chand revealed that the Ministry of Civil Service is currently reviewing the General Orders to improve civil servants’ terms and conditions of employment.

The Permanent Secretary stated that he is confident that the future of work in Fiji looks bright with the tripartite mechanisms now fully in place and the strategies that will be implemented in the new National Development Plan.

“Fiji is in a better position to comply with ILO standards and adhere to best practices,” Mr.Chand reassured.

Youth representatives from member countries of the Oceania Sub-Regional Advisory Committee Conference (OSRAC) are also participating at this year’s conference.