FRA to Contractors: Comply

Ministry of Labour senior labour officer Eferemo Ratucoko presenting at the Fiji Roads Authority workshop on Friday. Photo: RAMA

The Fiji Roads Authority is demanding anyone engaged with upholding the mandatory laws governing the business operations in Fiji.
This was highlighted during the authority’s consultants and contractors Health and Safety Obligations workshop at the Novotel Suva Lami Bay Convention Centre on Friday.
Authority capital works manager Ian Hunter said: “Without mentioning names, it has been highlighted that employers are breaching a number of laws relating to labour, Occupational Health and Safety.
“Some of these laws are captured in the operations manual and the risks management manual which contractors are required to follow as this is part of the contractual agreement.”
Decree section
The FRA Decree 2012, section 4 (d) states that FRA may do all other acts that may be done in law by a body corporate.
“The authority has developed transparent and accountable policies and procedures,” he said.
“This is to set high ethical standards which are to be complied if engaged by the authority.”

Ministry policies
The authority had invited representatives from the Ministry of Labour and the Fiji National Provident Fund to present key aspects of their legislation that contractors need to be aware.
Ministry senior labour officer Eferemo Ratucoko said: “We have received complaints from all over Fiji for non-payments of entitlements by the contractors like overtime, meal allowance and annual leave, extra.
“The main issue is the main contractors and sub-contractors fail to adhere to the Labour laws. Especially the Employment Regulations Promulgations 2007 and Occupational Health Safety Act 1996.
“There is a fixed spot fine of $100 if an employer breaches the wages regulation order. But if there is a breach of the ERP then an employer is liable to pay $1,000 to $100,000 to the ministry.
“This consultation addresses the fact that employers and employees work together and resolve their issues within the organisation. But if all avenues are exhausted only then can they come to the ministry.”
Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj