Barr’s comments are irresponsible - Hazelman

Publish date/time: 19/08/2012 [10:11]

The Fiji Employers and Commerce Federation has slammed comments by former chairperson of the Fiji Wages council Father Kevin Barr that Government allows employers to dominate the 10 wages regulation without taking into consideration the plight of the workers.

Father Barr has resigned as the Chairperson of the Fiji wages council in protest after Government deferred the Wages Regulation Order to October.

Father Barr had earlier said that the wages for 10 sectors will increase by at least 9% from Wednesday. 

However, Labour Minister Jone Usumate said the Wages Regulation Order has not been gazetted and the final Wages Regulation Order may be completed by October.  

Father Barr said he was not even consulted about this which is the third delay in four years. 

He said some employers opposing the wages orders have been having their way with government. 

However, CEO of the Fiji Employers and Commerce Federation Nezbit Hazelman said Father Barr’s comments are irresponsible.

Usumate had said under the requirements of the Employment Promulgation Order, when the Wages Council makes a draft Wages Regulation Order, the public are invited to make comments that need to be taken into consideration by the council.

Meanwhile, the Fiji Labour Party has commended the principled stand taken by Father Barr.

Story by: Sofaia Koroitanoa