Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1694826850268.pdf (Fiji)
MINISTRY OF EMPLOYMENT, PRODUCTIVITY AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS 2016/17 01 August 2016 - 31 July 2017 Annual Report For the year ending 31 July, 2017 Parliamentary Paper No.
167 of 2019 2 Content Page ABOUT US PERMANENT SECRETARY’S STATEMENT OUR ROLE OUR STRUCTURE KEY HIGHLIGHTS RESULTS Outcome 15: Employment and the Labour Market Output 1 - Portfolio, Leadership and Policy Advice Output 2 - Regulate Labour Laws to ensure Social Justice, Good Faith Employment Relations and Safe and Productivity Driven Workplaces Output 3 - Elimination of Child Labour Output 4 - Every worker to earn a decent wage to ensure social justice Output 5 - Employment Creation Service Output 6 - Ensure a well-informed labour market under the labour laws Output 7 - Cordial bilateral and multilateral relationships Outcome 22: Financial Services Annexures 4 6 8 9 11 12 12 13 16 25 27 28 34 36 38 58 3 ABOUT US Our Vision Decent Employment and Productivity for All Our Mission Promote employment creation, ensuring social justice, good faith employment relations, safe and productivity driven workplaces 4 Our Values Spiritual Renewal - Engaging in personal “spiritual renewal” on a daily basis in accordance with one’s belief to renew one’s spiritual values and character.
Inclusiveness - Treating everyone in an equitable and non-discriminatory manner.

Integrity - Being honest and having strong morale principles.

Accountability - Being answerable and having the courage and honesty to take ownership of our actions.

Responsiveness - Always striving to ensure that all our customers are served efficiently, effectively and economically.

Innovation - Continuously developing and improving our services and products through creativity.
Team Work - Supportive of others efforts, loyal to one another personally, professionally and ethically.

5 PERMANENT SECRETARY’S STATEMENT This Annual Report covers the period of July 2016 to August 2017 as the budgeted financial year marking the change of Government’s Financial Year from the traditional January to December.
Other policy changes include the expansion of membership of the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB) beyond majority representation to accommodate more stakeholder representation.

Changes were also undertaken towards Government’s Planning Cycle as well as the strategic focus, linking the Annual Corporate Plans, budget, and moving towards effective, efficient resource utilization.

The change in the Financial year also saw the beginning of key public sector reforms undertaken by Government.
The new recruitment system developed by the Public Service aims to recruit people based on merit and performances.

This new approach adopted by the Ministry ensures we recruit, develop and retain the right people in the Ministry, adding alue to our labour reforms.

These new changes include the introduction of the Open Merit Recruitment System (OMRS) across Government Ministries as well as the Performance Management System (PMS).
Internally, the strategic direction of the Ministry focused on the review and specific amendments to the key employment labour legislations to accommodate new developments and Government’s overall strategic interests.

The impact of climate change was experienced in February, when Fiji was hit by Tropical Cyclone Winston, a Category 5 cyclone.

Cyclone Winston was the strongest ever cyclone to hit our side of the world.

Damages done by Winston were devastating where lives and properties were lost.
The Ministry re-focused the priority towards overseas seasonal employment opportunities in New Zealand and Australia towards the isolated rural communities, as well as those severely hit by Tropical Cyclone Winston.

I commend with much appreciation the active social dialogue and the stakeholder contribution towards maintaining peace and stability in our labour market.
Salaseini Daunabuna 6 Results Page 6 of 90 7 OUR ROLE The core responsibility of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations (MEPIR) is to pursue the attainment of Decent Employment standards through the promotion of employment opportunities, development of healthy workers, the provision of healthy and safe working environment, fair employment conditions, good faith employment relations including productive workplaces.
These responsibilities are achieved by focusing on developing a modern, structured and enabling policy environment supported by sound labour laws, policies, institutions, international best practices and values, underpinned by tripartite social dialogue and self-regulation.
8 OUR STRUCTURE Minister Permanent Secretary Deputy Secretary SBU 1 SBU 2 SBU 3 SBU 4 Labour Standards Service -Labour Compliance Unit -Child Labour Unit -Complaints Resolution Team Productivity and Wages Service -Employment Relations Advisory Board Secretariat -Wages Unit -Productivity Unit -Asian Productvitiy Organisation (APO) National Employment Centre -Formal Employment Service -Fiji Volunteer Service -Foreign Employment Service Policy and Legal Service / Registrar of Trade Union / Registrar of Industrial Associations -Prosecution -Labour Policy -International Labour Organisation (ILO) Matters -Regional Cooperation -Registrar of Trade Union -Registrar of Industrial Association SBU 5 SBU 6 SBU 7 SBU 8 Information Technology Service Corporate Service -Accounts -Human Resource -Media & Information -Training Unit -Employment Relations Unit National Occupational Health and Safety Service -Training, Accreditation, Chemical & Hygiene -Risk Engineering & -Capital Projects -Field Operations Workers’ Compensation Service SBU 9 Mediation Service 9 10 KEY HIGHLIGHTS Nationwide Public Consultation on the Revised Seasonal Work Recruitment and Selection Criteria Record breaking in pumpkin harvesting by Fijian seasonal workers Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of Fiji and the Government of Marshall Islands for engagement of retired Fijian volunteer Teachers to serve in Marshal Islands Forum with Fiji training institutions to strengthen partnership First ever deployment of women workers under the New Zealand (Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Work Scheme Conduct of Employers Forum for better labour market opportunities Deployment of 43 retired Teachers under the Fiji Volunteer Scheme in assisting neighboring Pacific Island Countries’ Education system Conduct of the 2017 National Minimum Wage Survey Approved 2018 Public holidays Phase 1 Training in the Evaluation of Impairment for Medical Practitioners Deployment of Cable Beach Resort workers to Western Broome, Australia Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of Fiji and the Government of Tuvalu for Fijian Volunteer Teachers to serve in Tuvalu Conduct of National Minimum Wage and Wages Regulations public consultation from 15 -19 May 2017;.
Deployment of 7 pilot project workers as Carpenters with Pacific Trades for the rebuilding of Christchurch, New Zealand Deployment of 52 workers under the NZ RSE Work Scheme Visitation to seasonal workers and the Fijian community in New Zealand by the Employment Minister Signing of the Memorandum of Agreement between the Government of Fiji and the Government of Tuvalu for the engagement of 20 Fijian Volunteer Nurses to serve in Tuvalu Participation of Fiji’s Tripartite delegation to the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland 11 R E S U L T S Outcome 15: Employment and the Labour Market 12 Output 1: Portfolio Leadership and Policy Advice Accountable and transparent leadership, accurate and timely policy advice MINISTRY BOARDS National Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Board (NOHSAB) The National Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Board (NOHSAB) is established under Part VI of Health and Safety at Work Act 1996.
The membership is tripartite and comprises of representatives from employers, workers and government.

It is a requirement under Section 39 of the HASAWA 1996 that the Board shall prepare and submit to the Minister a report of its operations annually.

Functions The functions of the Board are: i.

To advise the Minister on matters relating to occupational health and safety; ii.

To inquire into and reporting back to the Minister on matters referred to it by the Minister; iii.
In liaison with the Inspectorate, to facilitate the development of national health and safety regulations, standards including approval of codes of practice for the Minister’s consideration; and iv.

Such other functions as are imposed on it by or under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1996 or any other Act.

The Board has powers necessary to carry out its functions or as are conferred on it by this or any other Act.
Membership The membership is basically tripartite and the Minister shall invite the most representative employers and workers organization to submit names recommended to be appointed as members.

The Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations or his / her Deputy is also a member of the Board and shall be its Chairperson under the provision of the Act.

The current Board members whose two (2) year term will expire on 31st December 2017 are as follows: Workers Representatives 1.
Ms. Teresa Ali 2.

Mr. Agni Deo Singh 3.

Mr. Rouhit Singh 4.

Mr. Anasa Tuviniwai 5.

Ms. Latileta Gaga Employers Representatives 1.

Mr. Ashok Nath 2.

Mr. Asaeli Tokalau 3.

Mr. Stuart Gow 4.

Mr. Timoci Laqai 5.

Ms. Sukhia Go Government Representatives 1.

Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Civil Service 2.

Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health and Medical Services 3.

Permanent Secretary for Local Government, Housing & Environment 4.
Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Chairperson 5.

Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Deputy Chairperson 6.

Employer Member 7.

Worker Member Meetings There were three (3) Board meetings and these were held on 2 September 2016, 22nd February and 14th of July 2017 respectively.

A total of twenty nine (29) papers were presented to the Board during the 3 meetings.

This 13 consisted of twenty three (23) discussion papers and six (6) information papers.
Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB) The Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB) is established under Section 8 and Part 3 of the Employment Relations Act 2007.

It is appointed by the Minister responsible for employment relations.

The current ERAB members were appointed on 1st January 2016 for a period of two (2) years, and their memberships will expire on 1st January 2018.
National Employment Centre Board (NECB) Functions The functions of the NECB are among others the following:- • to establish the overarching National Employment Centre’s strategic/corporate plan vision, mission, values, targets, strategies, integrating the strategic plans and corporate plans of the Formal Employment Service, the Self-Employment Service, the Fiji Volunteer Service & the Foreign Employment Service; to inquire into and report to the Minister on matters relating to employment creation referred to it by the Minister; to provide the Minister with bi-annual reports on the progress in implementing the employment creation policies of Government under this Decree; to advise the Minister on any other employment creation matter as well as matters provided for by this Decree and any other written law; • • • Membership The National Employment Centre Board membership is basically tripartite, with members drawn from the employers, workers, Government and non-governmental agencies.
These are represented by the Fiji Employers Federation, Fiji Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Fiji Trades Union Congress, Fiji Islands Council of Trade Unions, Government Ministries and Non-Governmental Organizations.

14 The current Board membership was for two years effective from 1st January 2016 and expiring on 31st December, 2018 These are as follows:- Meetings One (1) board meeting transpired during the year which took place on 21st October, 2016 at the Southern Cross Hotel, Suva.
The meeting was basically to note the National Employment Center update, its National Policy Technical Committee progress and the trust fund statement of activities.

Meetings One (1) board meeting transpired during the year which took place on 21st October 2016 at the Southern Cross Hotel, Suva.
The Board Papers Submitted meeting was basically to note the National Employment Center update, its National Policy Technical Committee progress and the A total of three (3) information papers were tabled before trust fund statement of activities.

the Board.

The summaries of the papers is tabulated Board Papers Submitted below.

A total of three (3) information papers were tabled before the Board.

The summaries of the papers are tabulated below: 1.

2.

3.

NECB Paper No.

1/16 NEC Update.


(For discussion) NECB Paper No.

2/16 National Employment Policy Technical Committee progress (For Information) NECB Paper No.

3/16 Amended logo, proposed slogans and launching of FORES (For information) The paper was to inform the Board about NEC performance since 2010.

The paper was to inform the Board about the progress of the National Employment Technical Committee.
The paper was to inform the Board about the Government’s new financial period and the statement of activities of NEC Fund Account to 2016. from 2014 Review of Business Processes and ISO Certification Review of Business Processes and ISO Certification In 2017, five (5) Strategic Business Units (SBU) were re-certified to ISO 9001:2008 QMS.

In addition, two (2) other SBUs In 2017, five (5) Strategic Business Units (SBU) were received new certification including Corporate Services.
This resulted with a total of seven (7) SBUs being certified to ISO 9001: re-certified to ISO 9001:2008 QMS.

In addition, two (2) 2018 with two (2) SBUs remain for certification.

other SBUs received new certification including Corporate Shared Service with Ministry of Civil Service Services.

This resulted with a total of seven (7) SBUs The Ministry signed a memorandum of agreement with the Ministry of Civil Service on shared services.
The agreement allows being certified to ISO 9001: 2018 with two (2) SBUs the Ministry of Employment carry out all Human Resource & Financial activities for the Ministry of Civil Service with the exception remain for certification.

of their recruitment process Shared Service with Ministry of Civil Service The Ministry signed a memorandum of agreement with the Ministry of Civil Service on shared services.
The agreement allows the Ministry of Employment to carry out all Human Resource & Financial activities for the Ministry of Civil Service with the exception of their recruitment process.
Page 26 of 90 Government • Permanent Secretary for • Ms. Salaseini Daunabuna BOARD MEMBERSHIP Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations • Permanent Secretary for Economy • Ms. Makereta Konrote • Permanent Secretary for • Alison Burchell Education • Permanent Secretary for • Dr. Koroivueta Social Welfare • Permanent Secretary for • Mr. David Kolitagane Agriculture • Permanent Secretary for Industry, Trade & Tourism • Permanent Secretary for Lands • Mr. Saheen Ali • Mr. Malakai Finau Employers Workers • Ms. Ashla Meen Singh • Mr. Noel Tofinga • Industrial Relations Consultants, FCEF • Ms. Teresa Ali • General Secretary, USP, Lautoka Youth Representatives • Mr. Wiliame Nayacatabu • Youth Representative Vocational Training Institu- tions Representatives Civil Society Organisations • Dr. Mati • Business and Economics, USP • Dr. Michael Gregory • Director of Planning & Development • Mr. Neil Sharma • Executive Director, Fiji Council of Social Services Board Secretariat Other Members • Ms. Seruwaia Bavai • Manager NEC • Mr. Peceli Baleikorocau • Manager, Native Land Trust Board (NLTB) Divisional Commissioners • Mr. Setareki Tale • Commissioner Central Division • Mr. Luke Moroivalu • Commissioner Eastern Division • Mr. Manasa Tagicakibau • Commissioner Western Division • Mr. Jovesa Vocea • Commissioner Northern Division 15 Output 2: Regulate labour laws to ensure social justice, good faith employment relations, safe and productivity-driven workplaces Increased compliance to labour laws 840 OHS proactive activities conducted 11,127 OHS compliance activities conducted National OHS Service In reducing workplace injuries and deaths, the National Occupational Health & Safety Service focuses on the delivery of its proactive and compliance services to improve Occupational Health & Safety standards for workers and workplaces in Fiji.
In August 2016 to July 2017, the National OHS Service conducted a total of 840 proactive services against the annual target of 1,100 which is equivalent to 76.3%.

The National OHS Services’ proactive role includes safety inspections, audits, awareness trainings, consultancies including registrations to reduce workplace injuries and deaths in Fiji’s workplaces.
The objective of the role is to obtain performance feedback, enabling corrective action to be actioned prior to any failure in the OHS systems of work.

It evaluates existing procedures of work, its actual methods including adopted systems.

The National OHS Service Compliance role is about measuring safety performance by reference to accidents, incidents and ill-health that have already occurred.
In August 2016 to July 2017, the National OHS Service conducted a total of 11,127 compliance activities against the annual target of 11,000.
16 OHS proactive activities 144 trainings & awareness programmes on occupa- tional health and safety conducted to workplaces 540 SMART audits programmes on occupa- tional health and safety conducted to workplaces 23 occupational hygiene assessments and monitoring conducted in workplaces The occupational health and safety awareness trainng programmes are essential to the OHS Management Strategy including the implementation of its policies/procedures.
The demand for these awareness trainings has been consistent over the past years.

During the period under revies, a total of ttrainings 62 trainings and 82 awareness were conducted.

34 hazard audits conducted to identify and recommend control measures OHS hazard audits are done to identify and recommend control measures for OHS hazards at workplaces.

These audits are conducted to businesses to gauge compliance to minimum OHS requirements prior to the renewal of busines licenses.
SMART audits are conducted at workplaces to gauge compliance to OHS legislative requirements and is conducted as requested.

5 HIV/Aids awareness sessions conducted to workplaces HIV/AIDS awareness is provided to workplaces to facilitate the requirements of the National Code of Practice for HIV/AIDS in the Workplace 2008.

This training provides workplace preventive actions for HIV/AIDS, occupational deaths, injuries and related diseases, while respecting the fundamental principles and rights of workers.
There was no HIV/AIDS training conducted in 2016/2017 period due to the resignation of the training officer.

This service is provided on a user pay basis and it pertains to the assessment including monitoring of environment air, indoor air quality, ergonomics, lighting, ventilation, noise, gas, vapour, dust, hazardous substances, identifying asbestos material as well as supervising the removal of asbestos.
87 OHS consultancies provided to workplaces This service is provided to workplaces to help improve their OHS level and knowledge by assessing their safety management and control 17 Year in Numbers OHS compliance activities 6,179 statutory engineering inspections conducted 2,553 business license issuance to workplaces for renewal or new applications 733 registration of workplaces employing 20 or more workers Statutory engineering inspections of plants & machinery are specified under the Factories Act Cap 99, HASAWA 1996 and subsidiary legislations.
These include steam boilers, pressure vessels, air compressors, Hiab trucks, mobile cranes tow trucks, loaders, excavators, forklifts, passenger lifts and escalators, lifting gears, garbage trucks, compactors, amusement rides, diving equipment etc.

502 registration of industrial chemicals used at workplaces were carried out All industrial chemicals used at workplaces are to be registered with the National OHS Service by the 31st of March each year.
A total number of chemical registered in August 2016 to July 2017 was 502 as shown on the graph above.

A total of 502 industrial chemicals were registered in August 2016 to July 2017.

The issuance of business license is a mandatory obligation of the employer to fulfill in relation to the ‘duty of care’ principle under Section 9 (1) of the HASAWA 1996.
This includes all workplaces which the Act describes as any workplaces whether or not in the building or structure where workers work and ensure safe for use and occupancy.

492 engineering design vetting (workplace) codnucted for new workplaces and addition or alteration to existing workplaces All drawings for new workplaces and addition or alternation to existing workplaces are checked for minimum OHS standards prior to commencement of construction works.
97 workplace commissioned Workplace registration is conducted on an annual basis for all workplaces employing 20 or more workers as stipulated under Section 29 of the HASAWA 1996 and Regulations 8 of the Health and Safety at Work (Administration) Regulations 1997.

423 engineering design vetting (plants) conducted for new plants to be used at workplaces All new plants (pressure vessels, lifting equipment, etc.)
are checked against safety standards prior to use at workplaces 144 enforcement notices programmes on occupational health and safety conducted to workplaces Following on from the Building Engineering Design Vetting, new workplaces are checked for compliance to OHS Standards OHS notices are issued for non-compliance with the OHS legislattions 18 Year in Numbers Workers’ Compensation 1,301 settlement of Workmen’s Compensation cases 139 cases for Workmen’s Compensation payout $2.6m payout as compensation benefits to workers and dependants of 33 medical doctors to standardize the impairment assessments for consistency of medical reports and to clear backlog cases.
During the period under review, the Medical Assessor had released one thousand two hundred and thirty five (1,235) medical reports, comprising 86 death cases and 1,149 injury cases Permanent Impairment Assessment Workshop A four day workshop for doctors was conducted by a renowned Consultant Occupational Medicine Specialist, Dr Dwight Dowda from Sydney.
Permanent Impairment Assessment Workshop A four day workshop for doctors was conducted Provide professional occupational medical services by a renowned Consultant Occupational Medicine The Medical Assessor remained with the Worker’s Compensation Service and assisted with the training of 33 medical doctors to standardize the impairment assessments for consistency of medical reports and to clear backlog cases.

During the period under Specialist, Dr Dwight Dowda from Sydney.
The review, the Medical Assessor had released one thousand two hundred and thirty five (1,235) medical reports, comprising 86 initiative not only benefited the medical assessors but death cases and 1,149 injury cases the compensation recipients with a fair assessment and a faster processing time using internationally recognized Guides.

A total of 24 senior medical officers including Consultants attended the training.
This has brought to over 220 doctors who are now The initiative not only benefited the medical assessors but the compensation recipients with a fair assessment and a faster competent to do permanent impairment evaluation processing time using internationally recognized Guides.

using the appropriate Guides.

These doctors will help assess workers injuries in terms of compensation and impute causation in cases of death.
The training was to up-skill local assessors on the art of permanent impairment evaluation using the internationally recognized American Medical Association Guides for the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment with the local Workcare Guides as the modifier.

The training was to up-skill local assessors on the art of permanent impairment evaluation using the internationally recognized American Medical Association Guides for the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment using the local Workcare Guides as the modifier.
A total of 24 senior medical officers and Consultants attended the training and this has brought to over 220 doctors who are now competent to do permanent impairment evaluation using the appropriate Guides.

These doctors will help assess workers injuries in terms of compensation and impute causation in cases of death The Workmen’s Compensation Act (Cap.
94) places on employers the legal responsibility to compensate workers who sustain injuries, contract disease or die from work-related activities arising out of or in the course of their employment.

The compensation is through monetary payments and provision of medical care.

In cases involving the death of workers, compensation is paid to the dependants of the deceased.

Clearing Cases pending from 2011 – 2016 In 2016 the number of cases settled from August 2016 to July 2017 was 1,301 cases.
Out of which 1,140 injury cases and 161 death cases Workers’ Compensation Paid Out to Government Workers and Dependants of Deceased Workers In 2016, $3.0m was allocated to facilitate payment for Government workers and $2,600,530.06 was utilised to pay out 139 cases.

Eighty seven (87) injured workers were paid $754,530.06 while fifty two (52) dependants for deceased workers death cases received a total of $1,846,000.00.

Payment for Private Sector Cases.


Over the same period, four hundred and ten (410) cases have been paid out $1,232,987.56.

A total of seven (7) death cases was paid $205,500.00 and four hundred and three (403) injury cases was paid $1,027,487.56.
Provide professional occupational medical services The Medical Assessor remained with the Worker’s Compensation Service and assisted with the training Reduction in Employment Related Matters 19 Labour Inspections During the period under review (2016 - 2017), the total base figure for employers in Fiji which includes small, medium and large enterprises stands at 10,248 out of which 6,461 employers are covered under the 10 Wages Regulations (WR) while a total of 3,787 employers are covered under the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
According to the ACP 2016 - 2017, the Labour Standards and Compliance Service was expected to conduct 4,000 Labour inspections which is equivalent to the conduct of 400 [4000/10 Months] inspections on a monthly basis.

Labour Inspections remains a top priority for the Compliance section as stipulated within the ACP 2017 and ILO Priority Conventions 81 on Labour Inspection.
In this financial year, the Compliance Section conducted a total of 3,642 priority labour inspections throughout Fiji, as depicted in the graph below.

Of these, 2627 inspections were conducted for industries covered under the Wages Regulations 2015 (WR)and a total of 835 inspections for indsturies covered under National Minimum Wage (NMW) Regulations 2015.
The inspection process has covered a total of 18,990 male workers and 11,775 female workers with a total of $220,918.48 being paid to the workers as their minimum entitlements.

This money has been paid through the Electronic Fund Transfer (EFT) payment system which ensures that the workers get the money directly into their bank account.
Page 33 of 90 Labour Standards and Compliance 3,642 inspections conducted to workplaces 901 settlement for labour complaints cases 519 notices issued to non- compliant employers A key responsibility of the Ministry is the enforcement of employment laws such as the Employment Relations Act and is subsidiary legislations, the 10 sectoral Wages Regulations Orders (WRO) and the National Minimum Wage (NMW) Regulations 2014.
During the period under review (2016 - 2017), the total base figure for employers in Fiji which includes small, medium and large enterprises stands at 10,248 out of which 6,461 employers are covered under the 10 Wages Regulations (WR) while a total of 3,787 employers are covered under the National Minimum Wage (NMW).
Workplace Inspection According to the ACP 2016 - 2017, the Labour Standards and Compliance Service was expected to conduct 4,000 Labour inspections which is equivalent to the conduct of 400 [4000/10 Months] inspections on a monthly basis.

Labour Inspections remains a top priority for the Compliance section as stipulated within the ACP 2017 and ILO Priority Conventions 81 on Labour Inspection.
In this financial year, the Compliance Section conducted a total of 3,642 priority labour inspections throughout Fiji.

Of these, 2627 inspections were conducted for industries covered under the Wages Regulations 2015 (WR) and a total of 835 inspections for industries covered under National Minimum Wage (NMW) Regulations 2015.

The inspection process has covered a total of 18,990 male workers and 11,775 female workers with a total of $220,918.48 being paid to the workers as their minimum entitlements.
From the 3,642 workplace inspections conducted, a total of 1,620 were for Wholesale & Retail Trade (WRT) inspections conducted.

It is noted that majority of the small and medium enterprises are mostly Wholesale & Retail based which recorded the highest number of complaints.

It is also noted that these complaints surface after the termination or resignation of employees from the sectors covered under the Wages Regulations.
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is one of the very important component of social justice system with workers who were never paid a minimum rate are now benefiting from the regulated rate of $2.32 per hour of work.

This includes the areas of work like car wash, domestic work and backyard garages.

Labour Complaints A total of 2,024 labour complaints were received from the 10 sectoral industries and a total of 328 complaints were received from the NMW industries.
The total complaints received for the year stands at 2,352.

The LSS Section has settled a total of 901 labour complaints with the pending number of complaints standing at 1,451 complaints within the current year 20 Complaints Received by Industries The highest number of complaints were received from the Wholesale & Retail Trade (WRT) and the Building, Civil & Electrical Engineering (BCEE) Sector which saw a total of 1,061 complaints being registered Fiji wide for the year in these 2 sectors.
The settlement rate for the WRT stands at 41.48% and the BCEE stands at 42.17%.

Demand and Fixed Penalty Notices Issued There were 7 fixed penalty notices issued to employers for non-compliance of the Wages Regulations and ERA 2007 while 512 demand notices have been issued to employers for the demand for wages/time records and payment.

A total of $2,600 was collected as revenue from the Compliance Section.
Referrals for Mediation and Prosecution The year in review recorded the total of 172 cases referred to the Mediation Services by the Compliance Division.

Of these, 168 were registered for dismissal while 4 cases were recorded for disadvantaged.

During the same period, a total of 63 cases were referred for prosecution to the Legal Unit of the Ministry.
Awareness The Standards and Compliance Service conducted a total of 10 Labour Management Consultation Cooperation Committee (LMCCC) and Employment Relations Act awareness programmes in 2016/2017.

Also 3 child labour awareness sessions were conducted, attended by a total of 420 participants.

New and Closed Employer Files A total of 167 new employers were identified by the Compliance Section for the year while there was only one employer had closed operation.
The opening of 167 new employers has also shown the confidence in the economy in terms of employers investing, opening of new branches and employing more people in terms of their business operation.

21 Mediation Service 83% Employment Grievance Settlement Rate 70% Employment Dispute Settlement Rate A total of 46 cases were mediated and this resulted in the resolution of 32 cases which constitutes a settlement rate of 70%.

A total of 14 cases were referred to the Employment Relations Tribunal (ERT).
Employment Grievance With the awareness and the promotions on the Employment Relations Promulgations 2007, workers have gradually understood their rights and obligations and there has been a steady increase in the reported grievances annually from 2008.
Most of the union members have opted to report their case individually as an employment grievance because of the time frame set for resolving such grievances compared to employment disputes and also the constant increase in the resolution of these grievances annually.

During the year, a total of 1,382 employment grievances have been registered with the Mediation Services.

A total of 67 cases were pending from 2015 which have been brought forward to 2016 so the cumulative total for 2016 is 1,449.
Of these, 1,305 cases were mediated upon during the year resulting in the settlement of 1,077 grievances (83%), while 228 (17%) cases were not resolved and referred to the Employment Tribunal for third party adjudication leaving a total of 144 cases pending at the end of the year.

Mediation Services has continued to provide speedy and effective service in terms of resolution of employment grievances and employment disputes.
This has resulted remarkable success rate for settlement at the end of the fiscal year.

Our professional mediators as a neutral third party facilitate communication and generate discussions taking an interest based approach to problem solving and exploring parties interests, trying to lead the parties to find an amicable solution.

Focusing on interests, parties who are at a standoff may discover several possible solutions to their problems and may also discover shared compatible interests.
The facilitative approach works effectively with parties who are well versed with their internal processes and are able to work with their counterparts.

It is interesting to note that mediation is gaining popularity amongst all interested parties due to the professional and efficient service provided to the parties which has reflected in the high satisfaction rate for our customer evaluation feedback after the mediation sessions.
Although mediation has been operating for over a decade, it continues to function exceptionally well.

It is also faced with its share of challenges which presents itself quite evidently during mediation sessions.

A more understanding and evaluative approach is strongly encouraged moving away from the traditional adversarial approach.

Employment Dispute During the period under review, only 1 dispute was pending with the Mediation Services from 2015 and 58 new employment disputes were received in 2016.
22 Policy & Legal Service Criminal cases The Ministry’s Prosecution Unit received a total of 199 criminal cases that were referred to the Unit as referral cases for prosecution.

The most pending criminal cases with the Prosecution team are case of previous years.

A total of 41 cases was settled by the Unit leaving a total of 108 cases for mention and 54 for hearing.
The process of cases is affected by matters beyond the Unit’s control and that is the consistent vacation of matters and the delay in issuance of judgments.

Given that the Tribunal is dealing with the process of cases pending from previous years, the current cases that are referred to the Tribunal are further delayed.
2016-2017 Criminal Cases Referral Mention Hearing Settled Closed 197 54 224 199 168 108 61 67 61 41 Employment Grievances During the period under review, a total of 158 Employment Grievance (EG) was referred to the Unit for representation.

The Court process takes time and given the increased matters pending from previous years, it is likely that the Tribunal will prioritize long pending cases first prior to the processing of current cases.
A total of 38 EG were settled with a total of 237 cases recorded for mention and 54 cases for hearing.

2016-2017 Employment Grievance Referral Mention Hearing Settled Closed 89 54 232 158 255 237 61 30 68 38 Registration of Trade Unions and Industrial Associations (RTY/RIA) The RTU & RIA provides quality service delivery of the administraton as well as overseeing all matters pertaining to trade union (TU) and industrial associaltion (IA) in Fiji.
Another role of this unit 23 is to oversee the supervision of strike ballots by trade unions, vetting registration of all collective agreements between registered trade unions, industrial associations and employers.

During the 2016-2017 fiscal year, the service registered a total of 45 trade unions and cancelled registration for 21 unions.

As for industrial assocaitions, a total of 89 were registered and cancelled registration for 168 association.
Annual Returns Annually, all registered Trade Unions & Industrial associations are obligated under the ERA 2007 to provide annual reports on general audited statements of all receipts, expenditure, assets as well as liabilities.

In 2016-2017, a total of 31 annual returns were received and registered from trade unions with a total of 14 annual returns from the industrial asscoiations.

2017 Public Holidays Government approved the following 2017 public holidays through a Gazette Notice No.
68 dated Wednesday the 14th of September 2016:- 1.

New Year’s Day – Monday, 2nd January 2.

Good Friday – Friday, 14th April 3.

Easter Saturday – Saturday, 15th April 4.

Easter Monday – Monday, 17th April 5.

National Sports and Wellness Day – Friday, 30th June 6.

Constitution Day – Thursday, 7th September 7.

Fiji Day – Tuesday, 10th October 8.

Diwali – Thursday, 19th October 9.

Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday – Monday, 4th December 10.

Christmas Day – Monday, 25th December 11.


Boxing Day – Tuesday, 26th December Contemplated Strike Report The Permanent Secretary is required under the provision of Section 190 of the ERA 2007 to refer any contemplated strike or lockout in an essential service to the Mediation Service.

The Service to arrange for informal mediation at the earliest as a proactive approach for the purpose of assisting the parties to avoid the need for such strike or lockout and look at ways of resolving the matters amicably.
place in Fiji since the Mediation Services was established in 2008 and this is attributed mainly to the proactive approach taken by our Mediators whenever there is a contemplated strike or lockout.

In May 2017, an Informal mediation was conducted between Beqa Lagoon and its staff, and the matter in contention was mutually settled with pay increase for workers in the Diving Unit.
The facilitation of the above role by the Mediation Service had been a success that it was not only confined to essential services but to all services where strike or lockouts were contemplated, to ensure that there is stability in the labour market.
There had never been any strike or lockout taking 24 OUTPUT 3 - ELIMINATION OF CHILD LABOUR Output 3: Elimination of Child Labour Ensure compliance to child labour provisions under relevant ENSURE COMPLIANCE TO CHILD LABOUR PROVISIONS UNDER RELEVANT LABOUR LAWS labour laws training for the farmers as part of their capacity building programmes.

The Cane Producers Association has also appointed these farmers as community representatives as well as farm Inspectors.
These Farm inspectors ensure random inspection to prevent children from performing any hazardous work.
Resolution of Reported Cases Resolution of Child Labour Reported Cases The Ministry of Employment, Productivity & Industrial Relations together with Ministry of Sugar, The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations together with Ministry of Sugar, the Sugar Cane Growers the Sugar Cane Growers Council, Fiji Sugar Council, Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited and the Cane Producers Association have embarked on a major training programme in Corporation Limited and the Cane Producers Association have embarked on the training the Western and Northern Cane belt areas in ensuring that farmers and Sugar industry stakeholders are well aware of the of Western and Northern Cane belt areas in provision related to child labour and ensure effective implementation of the child labour withdrawal process and enforcement of ensuring that farmers including the Sugar industry stakeholders are well aware of the child labour the Hazardous Occupation Prohibited for Children under 18 years of Age.
provisions.

Similarly, to ensure the effective implementation of the child labour withdrawal process as well as enforcement of the hazardous The training for Labasa Cane Producers Association was conducted on 1 June 2018, with a total of 16 farmers attending the occupation prohibited for children under 18 years of age.
workshop organized by the Labasa Cane Producers Association together with the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations to ensure that cane farmers are well versed with the child labour process.

This has been refresher training The training for Labasa Cane Producers Association was conducted on 1 June 2018.

A for the farmers as part of their capacity building programmes.
The Cane Producers Association has also appointed these farmers total of 16 farmers attending the workshop organized by the Labasa Cane Producers as community representatives and farm Inspectors to ensure random inspections are carried out on the farms during the cane Association together with the Ministry of planting, growing and harvesting season to prevent children from performing any hazardous work.
Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations to ensure that cane farmers are well versed with the child labour process.

This has been refresher The monitoring of child labour has also been conducted by the Labour Inspectors throughout the Western Division in the cane belt areas together with officers from Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited and the Cane Producers Association.
The Fiji Sugar Corporation officers together with the farm heads have been in constant contact with District Labour Officers on the child labour withdrawal process in ensuring that all children attend school during school hours.

The Compliance section has withdrawn more than 195 children from child labour activities from 1 June 2011 till 31 July 2017 and all children have been returned to School.
Photo: Child labour training 25 The monitoring of child labour has also been conducted by the Labour Inspectors throughout the Western Division in the cane belt areas together with officers from Fiji Sugar Corporation Limited and the Cane Producers Association.

The Fiji Sugar Corporation officers together with the farm heads have been in constant contact with District Labour Officers on the child labour withdrawal process in ensuring that we have all children attend school during school hours.
The Compliance section has withdrawn more than 195 children from child labour activities from 1 June 2011 till 31 July 2017 and all children have returned to OUTPUT 4 - EVERY WORKER TO EARN A DECENT WAGE TO ENSURE SOCIAL School JUSTICE INCREASE COMPLIANCE OF ERA, NMW 2015 AND WR 2015 Recoveries and Payment of Wages Complaints Recoveries In increasing recovery of wages due from employers and payment of wages to workers, the Labour Complince Service of the Ministry through settled labour complaints recovered a total of $140,591.01 during the period under review.
The highest recovery was from the Wholesale and Retail Trade (WRT) amounting to $65,071.77.

The enforcement and compliance in this sector is steady in terms of the inspection of records from employers.

This has resulted in the computation of much needed dues to the workers and payment effected through Electronic Fund Transfer mode.

Page 44 of 90 Hon.
Page 44 of 90 Hon.

Mereseini Vuniwaqa officiated on the day and recognised the support from the Ministries of Education, Women & Children, the Fiji Police Force, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) including the non-government organisations in addressing child labour issues.

Eliminating child labour required a collaborative commitment from all stakeholders as well as civil society organisations to ensure all Fijian children grew and developed in the best environment.
The Ministry todate has trained over 250 school teachers with more than 200 community leaders and farmers in the area of child labour since June, 2011.

The Ministry through the Compliance and Enforcement Division received and withdrew a total of 4 child labour cases during the year in review.

These cases were received from the Western Division where children were involved in begging on the streets.
2017 World Day Against Child Labour Celebration The Fijian Government remains committed to achieving its set target in Sustainable Development Goal 8 to accelerate the eradication of child labour by 2025 and forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking by 2030.

In addressing this, the Ministry jointly with other agencies celebrated World Day Against Child Labour on 12 June, 2017 at the Novotel Convention Centre, Lami.
The Honourable Acting Minister for Employment, Productivity & Industrial Relations and Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, 26 Output 4: Every Worker to Earn a Decent Wage Increase compliance of Employment Relations Promulgation, National Minimum Wage 2015 and Wages Regulations 2015 Standards & Compliance Recoveries The total recoveries for the year amounted to $220,918.48 which has noted that the compliance and inspection procedures are on focus, recording high recovery rate on complaints regarding hours of work as well as the rate of pay.
The inspection process has been vigorous where the compliance issues has been dealt with, resulting in the recovery of dues for payout to workers.

Complaints Recoveries In increasing recovery of wages due from employers and payment of wages to workers, the Labour Compliance Service of the Ministry through settled labour complaints recovered a total of $140,591.01 during the period under review.

The highest recovery was from the Wholesale and Retail Trade (WRT) amounting to $65,071.77.
The enforcement and compliance in this sector is steady in terms of the inspection of records from employers.

This has resulted in the computation of much needed dues to the workers and payment effected through Electronic Fund Transfer mode.

The highest recoveries derived from arrears of wages enforcement under the Wages Regulations which means that employers fails to pay the workers their normal rate of pay.
This is again a result of a strong compliance and enforcement policy in place ensuring that workers are given their dues on time.

The high rate of non-compliance resulted from employers who are in the small and medium category while the larger ones are within the inspection and compliance application of the WR as well as NMW.

Redundancy Recoveries The year in review, recorded a total redundancy recovery of $17,672.35.
Mediation Service Recoveries The Mediation Service recovered a total of $3,578,589.44 for the aggrieved workers.

27 Worker Program (SWP).

Fiji’s participation in both the New Zealand and Australia seasonal employment industry has seen the significant increase in the number of placements into overseas employment and has the potential to grow over the years to come.

Skilled Employment Tabulated below is the skilled employment placements from 2014 – 2016.
Year 2014 2014 2015 2016 2014 -16 SKILLED EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENTS 2014 - 2016 Country Sector Male Female Total Hospitality Transport Agriculture Education (Teaching) Construction UAE New Zealand Canada Seychelles New Zealand TOTAL 5 2 19 1 13 40 4 1 6 1 0 12 9 3 25 2 13 52 Seasonal Employment Tabulated below are the seasonal employment placements for 2015 and January – July 2016.
A total of 290 workers were Output 5: Employment Creation Service placed into seasonal employment in New Zealand and Australia for this period; majority of the Fijians placed were males due the Effective operation of the National Employment Centre nature of the work and employer’s preference.
under the NEC Decree 2009 SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENTS 2015 – JULY 2017 Male 124 Male 119 Female 39 Female 8 4,168 registration of unemployed persons Total 163 Total 127 1,383 locally employed through the NEC 530 employed overseas through the NEC 1,146 attachees placed on local work attachment Accumulative Total 163 + 127 = 290 National Employment Centre Tabulated below are the seasonal employment placements for 2016/ 2017 financial year.
A total of 530 workers were placed into seasonal employment in New Zealand and Australia for this period; majority of the Fijians placed were males due the nature of the work and employer’s preference.

The NEC Act 2009 was launched as a result of Fiji’s employment creation reform and Fiji’s response to the ILO Global Job Pact addressed in the ILO Conference in June 2009.
SWP TOTAL RSE TOTAL Year SWP RSE Accumulative Total SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENTS AUGUST 2016 – JULY 2017 The objective of the ILO Global Job Pact Agenda was to address the 2008 Global Financial Crisis impact.

This crisis recorded the most significant financial and economic upheaval since the Great Depression since the 1930s.

The biggest hit of the crisis trickled down to job losses; as such the agenda of ILO was the ILO Global Job Pact.
The ILO Member nations were encouraged to develop policies that could mitigate the high rate of unemployment.

Total Australia - SWP Female Male 13 167 18 332 180 350 Fiji responded in a timely manner given it was part of 180 + 350 = 530 its journey of labour reforms and commitment to the ILO Decent Work and Social Justice.

Fiji ratified the ILO Employment Policy Convention, 194 (C122) in January 2010 and established the NEC.
It is a one-stop shop employment creation services that aims to provide decent and sustainable employment growth for the unemployed registered with NEC.

It aims to facilitate and supervise workplace attachments program with employers, ensuring quality 6 months on-the-job training programmes are attained that is compatible with the needs of the employment market.
Job seekers or unemployed persons are mandated under the Act to register with NEC and to freely choose the type of employment one can be absorbed into through the NEC employment creation services.

The 3 employment creation services under the NEC are: 1.

Formal Employment Service (lFES) 2.

Foreign Employment Service (FORES) 3.


Fiji Volunteer Service (FVS) NEC clients absorbed into volunteer service 28 Page 49 of 90 Foreign Employment Service The Foreign Employment Service (FORES) is one of the employment creation services under the National Employment Centre (NEC).

FORES aims to provide quality human resource development service to unemployed persons including retirees to facilitate their absorption into decent overseas employment to boost employment creation and productivity.
Since the establishment of FORES in 2014, there have been placements of Fijians in both skilled and seasonal employment overseas.

Placements into skilled employment were facilitated to a few countries namely the United Arab Emirates, Canada, New Zealand, and Seychelles.
Fiji’s participation in the seasonal employment industry in New Zealand under the Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme was formalized in December 2014 through the signing of the Inter- Agency Understanding (IAU) with the Government of New Zealand.

Following that, in April 2015 Fiji signed the MoU with Australia formalizing Fiji’s participation in the Seasonal Worker Program (SWP).
Fiji’s participation in both New Zealand and Australia seasonal employment industry has seen a significant increase in the number of placements into overseas employment with the potential to grow in years to come.

NEC Registration The NEC registered 4,168 clients in 2016/2017 and 3,251 in 2016.

It continues to increase given more graduates entering the labour force searching for jobs.

The year 2015 had the highest numbers of registration immensely due to the introduction of the Seasonal Work Programs.
Life Skills Training Life Skills Training package was developed in 2010.

It is a home-grown training package that covers 11 core units based on life skills and core universal values that teaches job seekers or unemployed persons to be equipped with life preparedness.

For the period under review, a total of 1,042 clients were trained compared to 410 clients that were trained during the six months reporting period of 2016.

The increase in LST was due to more trainings available.
Formal Employment Service The Formal Employment Service provides jobs into the local labour market.

In 2015, a total of 59 employers signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) with NEC requesting job seekers to fill vacancies in organizations.

The Centre recorded that 426 job seekers found work through the NEC services in 2016 and 1,383 in 2017.
Work Attachment The workplace attachment program is a cost-sharing partnership between NEC and the employer that engages a work attachee where the ultimate aim is to encourage employers to recruit work attachees as a full-time or part-time worker or a trainee.

The Centre provided 413 workplace attachments in 2016 and this has increased significantly to 1,146 during the 2016- 2917 fiscal year.

The rate of workplace attachment continues to increase due to the high demand of attachees from employers.
Employers are benefiting from the program saving costs on recruitment and advertisement.

29 these regional countries have only requested for retirees from the Education Sector.

The retired volunteers that have been engaged in the education sector provide either secondary or primary school teaching.
Additionally the FVS will soon be providing SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENTS Curriculum Developers and Consultants for the 2016-2017 Education Sector in Tuvalu and retired teachers to the Marshall Islands once their new school year begins in August 2017.

The Government of Tuvalu has also formally requested for twenty (20) retired volunteer nurses.

This would be the first time the program will be providing Health professionals to a regional counterpart.
The nurses will be deployed once the MoA is signed between the two countries.

The program currently has a total of 49 volunteers undertaking regional volunteer teaching assignments in Nauru, Vanuatu and Tuvalu.
AUS SWP NZ RSE 180 350 REGIONAL VOLUNTEER DEPLOYMENT BY HOST COUNTRY 2016-2017 10 2 7 30 Government of Tuvalu Republic of Vanuatu On-Going Regional Development Republic of Nauru Republic of Marshall Islands Seasonal Employment Tabulated below are the seasonal employment placements for 2016/ 2017 financial year.
A total of 530 workers were placed into seasonal employment in New Zealand and Australia for this period; majority of the Fijians placed were males due the nature of the work and employer’s preference.
SEASONAL EMPLOYMENT PLACEMENTS 2016-2017 180 350 NZ RSE AUS SWP Fiji Volunteer Service REGIONAL VOLUNTEER DEPLOYMENT BY HOST COUNTRY 2016-2017 Regional Volunteers With the FVS program being part of Fiji’s Development Co-operation efforts, it has sent volunteers to regional countries such as Nauru, Marshall Islands, Vanuatu and Tuvalu.
Since the inception of the program, 10 2 7 30 Government of Tuvalu Republic of Vanuatu Republic of Nauru Republic of Marshall Islands 30 engagements ranging from 3-24months depending on the requesting organization’s needs.

During the year under review, government departments has been utilizing the volunteer service effectively and forecasted to recruit more volunteers in years to come.
Signed Memorandum of Agreements The engagement of volunteers is undertaken following the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Fiji Volunteer Service and the host organization for local volunteer engagements and between the Government of Fiji and the requesting host country for regional volunteer engagements.

The FVS signed a total of eleven (11) MoAs.


The Government of Vanuatu has confirmed their interest in engaging more volunteers in the education sector with the inclusion of the TVET profession, however this will await the clearance of the Memorandum of Agreement for the requested profession.

The Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI) has indicated its willingness to engage more retired volunteer teachers following the signing of the MoA last month.
The initial batch of seven teachers that returned in 2016 following the completion of their two year engagement will be returning to RMI before August for an extended engagement of two years as requested by the host country.

The Kiribati Government has confirmed its interest in the FVS program and consultations are currently being undertaken for the clearance of the MoA before any engagements are done.
Local Volunteers The FVS program has engaged graduate volunteers, skilled unemployed and retirees in local organisations as well as government agencies.
FVS currently has a total of twenty seven (27) volunteers engaged locally in various government agencies with their 31 8 9 Ministry of Health & Medical Services Ministry of Lands & Mineral Resources 10 Ministry of Civil Service 11 Fiji Museum (Public Administration) (Public Administration) (Public Administration) Retirees Retirees Retirees Retirees (Culture & Heritage) Indefinite Indefinite Indefinite Indefinite Table 3: Summary of Signed MoAs Employers’ Forum An Employers’ Forum was organized by the Ministry’s National Employment Centre (NEC) to provide better opportunities in Fiji’s labour market in terms of the services provided by the Centre.
It provides an opportunity to dialogue on the human resource development and utilization needs of the nation and it was also an opportunity to add-value to the huge national challenge in reducing unemployment and to provide relevant training and employment opportunities to unemployed Fijians.
Such consultation forums with the employers, training providers and other relevant Government Institutions assisted in the discussions of national labour market challenges and streamlined strategies relevant as a way forward in up skilling and building the capacity of people for the labour market.

The Employers’ Forum included presentations from the Ministry, Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCA).
Similar forums were also held in the Western and Northern Divisions respectively.

Seasonal Work Visits A Ministry delegation visited Fijian seasonal workers under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Work Scheme and also current and potential employers in New Zealand.

The purpose of the tour was to get feedback from Fijian workers, New Zealand employers and also to negotiate in increasing Fiji’s participation under the scheme.
The New Zealand seasonal work scheme began recruiting from Fiji in 2015 with only 31 workers and since then has increased their numbers.

The delegation visited EastPack an employer in New Zealand and also visited farms, packing-houses, Fijian communities and officials from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, New Zealand.
Employers’ Forum An Employers’ Forum was organized by the Ministry’s National Employment Centre (NEC) to provide better opportunities in Fiji’s labour market in terms of the services provided by the Centre.

It provides an opportunity to dialogue on human resource development as well as the utilization needs of the nation.

It was also an opportunity to add-value to the huge national challenge in reducing unemployment.
Similarly, to provide relevant training and employment opportunities to unemployed Fijians.

Such consultation forums with the employers, training providers, other relevant Government Institutions assisted in the discussions of national labour market challenges.

It also streamlined strategies relevant as a way forward in up-skilling the capacity of people for the labour market.
The Employers’ Forum included presentations from the Ministry, Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCA).

Similar forums were also held in the Western and Northern Divisions respectively.

Seasonal Work Visits A Ministry delegation visited Fijian seasonal workers under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Work Scheme and also current and potential employers in New Zealand.
The purpose of the tour was to get feedback from Fijian workers, New Zealand employers and also to negotiate in increasing Fiji’s participation under the scheme.

The New Zealand seasonal work scheme began recruiting from Fiji in 2015 with only 31 workers, since then has increased their numbers.

The delegation visited EastPack in New Zealand and visited farms, packing-houses, Fijian communities and officials from the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment.
Revised Tikina Base Recruitment and Selection Criteria During the period under review, the Ministry introduced the revised seasonal work recruitment and selection criteria after receiving reports of poor performance from seasonal work employers both in New Zeeland and Australia.

The revised Tikina recruitment and selection criteria was to strengthen seasonal work initiative both in Australia and New Zealand compared to the initial open recruitment and selection criteria.
The new Tikina based criteria strengthens Government’s initiative in creating team work amongst the Tikina group as selection of potential seasonal workers to pilot the project 32 Page 54 of 90 8 9 Ministry of Health & Medical Services Ministry of Lands & Mineral Resources 10 Ministry of Civil Service 11 Fiji Museum (Public Administration) (Public Administration) (Public Administration) Retirees Retirees Retirees Retirees (Culture & Heritage) Indefinite Indefinite Indefinite Indefinite Table 3: Summary of Signed MoAs Employers’ Forum An Employers’ Forum was organized by the Ministry’s National Employment Centre (NEC) to provide better opportunities in Fiji’s labour market in terms of the services provided by the Centre.
It provides an opportunity to dialogue on the human resource development and utilization needs of the nation and it was also an opportunity to add-value to the huge national challenge in reducing unemployment and to provide relevant training and employment opportunities to unemployed Fijians.
Such consultation forums with the employers, training providers and other relevant Government Institutions assisted in the discussions of national labour market challenges and streamlined strategies relevant as a way forward in up skilling and building the capacity of people for the labour market.

The Employers’ Forum included presentations from the Ministry, Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF), Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCA).
Similar forums were also held in the Western and Northern Divisions respectively.

A Ministry delegation visited Fijian seasonal workers under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Work Scheme and also Seasonal Work Visits current and potential employers in New Zealand.

Fiji’s participation under the scheme.

The Pacific Island States vividly experiences the expansion and growth of both the horticulture and viticulture industries.
Moreover, the announcement of New Zealand’s $15million financial support towards the RSE over the next 5 years, confirms the expansion and growth of this industry.

This was an indicator of New Zealand’s on-going applied leadership and vision in supporting the Pacific States.

Minister Usamate also highlighted issues pertaining to fair treatment of its workers and other common issues during the 10th year celebration for improving the RSE system.
is being determined by the ‘vanua’.” The change in the selection and recruitment criteria focuses recruitment at Tikina (District) level to diminish the negative image of the Fijian Government and a nation as a whole.

The new criteria contributes to the up-skilling of workers from the rural setting, enhance their innovation and creativity, promote economic activity and commitment to return home to add value to rural development.
New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Work Scheme 10th Year Anniversary The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Hon.

Jone Usamate attended the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Work Scheme’s 10th Year Anniversary in Wellington, New Zealand representing the participating Pacific States during the period under review.
The purpose of the tour was to get feedback from Fijian workers, New Zealand employers and also to negotiate in increasing The New Zealand seasonal work scheme began recruiting from Fiji in 2015 with only 31 workers and since then has increased their numbers.

The delegation visited EastPack an employer in New Zealand and also visited farms, packing-houses, Fijian communities and officials from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, New Zealand.
Minister Usamate on behalf of the Pacific States extended sincere appreciation and well wishes to the New Zealand Government on this milestone achievement and to all employers for the employment opportunity.

Through this opportunity, the Pacific States has benefited so much over the 10 years of RSE relationship.
33 Page 54 of 90 Output 6: Ensure a Well-Informed Labour Market Under the Labour Laws -Enhance Workplace Productivity -Provision of Effective Media and Marketing Services Increase workplace productivity through LMCCC The Productivity Unit is responsible for the promotion, improvement and monitoring of productivity in all workplaces.
It includes the registration, training as well as the establishment of Labour Management Consultation and Co- operation Committee (LMCCC) for all employers who employ more than twenty workers.

This is a bi-partite forum established within workplaces and is consistent with the principles of self-regulation through empowering the parties who create the employment challenges to resolve the challenges within the workplace.

The submission of the record forms by companies shows the success of the training.
The Ministry recorded a total of 131 companies that have implemented the relevant productivity tools such as Balance Scorecard, Benchmarking, Business Processes Re-engineering, Business Excellence, 5S, Green Productivity, ISO, JIT, Knowledge Management, Quality Circle Concept, 6 Sigma, Total Quality Management and other productivity tools in their organisations.
In addition to this, the Unit was also involved in the review of the country’s current National Minimum Wage (NMW) and the Ten Wages Regulations Orders (WRO).

This was conducted through a formal and informal sector survey throughout the country from 6th April - 3rd May 2017.
Following this there was a nationwide public consultation on the revised national minimum wage and wage rates under the Wages Regulations Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) is an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia-Pacific region.

Established in 1961, the APO contributes to the sustainable socioeconomic development of the region through policy advisory services and institutional capacity-building efforts.
It is open to countries in Asia Pacific region which are members Balance Score Card, Benchmarking, Business Processes Re-engineering, Business Excellence, 5S, Green Productivity, ISO, of the United Nations Economic and Social JIT, Knowledge Management, Quality Circle Concept, 6 Sigma, Total Quality Management and other productivity tools in their Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP).

organisations.
organisations.

The APO is shaping the future of the region by In addition to this, the Unit was also involved in the review of the country’s current National Minimum Wage (NMW) and the Ten assisting member economies in formulating Wages Regulations Orders (WRO).

This was conducted through a formal and informal sector survey throughout the country from 6th April - 3rd May 2017.
Following this there was a nationwide public consultation on the revised national minimum wage and national strategies for enhanced productivity wage rates under the Wages Regulations through a range of institutional capacity-building efforts, including research centers of excellence in member countries.

Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) The Asian Productivity Organization (APO) is an intergovernmental organization committed to improving productivity in the Asia- Pacific region.
Established in 1961, the APO contributes to the sustainable socioeconomic development of the region through Overall the National Productivity Organisation policy advisory services and institutional capacity-building efforts and is open to countries in Asia and the Pacific which are (NPO)-Fiji in collaboration with the Ministry of members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP).
Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations is able to utilize 90% of the projects being received The APO is shaping the future of the region by assisting member economies in formulating national strategies for enhanced all year around.

The report has shown that NPO-Fiji productivity and through a range of institutional capacity-building efforts, including research and centers of excellence in member has been investing more into the NPO (Research & countries.
It is non-political, non-profit, and non-discriminatory.

Development) and Innovation programs, a positive Overall the NPO Fiji in collaboration with the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations is able to utilize 90% reflection of the movement towards the Industry of the projects being received all year around.
The report has shown that NPO-Fiji has been investing more into the NPO 4.0 (Fourth Industrial Revolution) and could be (Research & Development) and Innovation programs a positive reflection of the movement towards the Industry 4.0 (Fourth reflected in the market for the next five years.

Industrial Revolution) and could be reflected in the market for the next five years.

APO Programs Participation Summary 92 57 61 Total No.
of Participants Total Programs Processed Total Programs Received PROVISION OF EFFECTIVE MEDIA AND MARKETING SERVICES TO ENSURE A WELL INFORMED LABOUR MARKET Promotion of Ministry’s Service through the Media Promotional initiatives targeted the general population to inform them of services and programs offered by the Ministry.
A total of 201 promotional initiatives were carried out in 2016/2017 with a high 81% of the work done through press releases and media interviews, followed by 14% in the form of broadcast and talkback shows and 5% on advertisements.
34 Output 7 - Cordial bilateral and multilateral relationships FACILITATING ALL INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS ILO Reporting obligations Fulfilment of government reporting compliance under the ILO Constitution on law and practice reports of ratified conventions and other compliance issues to international oversight bodies Page 56 of 90 roadshow photo Promotion of Ministry’s Service through the Media Promotional initiatives targeted the general population to inform them of services and programs offered by the Ministry.
A total of 201 promotional initiatives were carried out in 2016/2017 with a high 81% of the work done through press releases and media interviews, followed by 14% in the form of broadcast, talkback shows and 5% on advertisements.

National Minimum Wage Survey The National Minimum Wage (NMW) survey commenced parallel in all divisions nationwide for the duration of 3 weeks from 06 April, 2017.

The survey was conducted for employers and workers, particularly those that are covered under the NMW and WRs.
The Consultant also undertook a range of awareness raising activities to enhance participation in the consultation by a wide cross section of Fiji’s workforce.

The NMW consultation based on the survey findings was to seek out the diverse range of views by the employers and workers about wages, employment conditions as well as the identification of key issues raised by the employers, workers in relation to wages and employment conditions.
The NMW Consultant Professor Partha Gangopadhyay used the pre-design survey questionnaire to undertake the nationwide survey findings and has also conducted a workshop for Ministry officials undertaking the survey.

Similarly, the Consultant supervised the nationwide survey of existing wage rates in Fiji’s labour market, including conditions of employment.
The review of the 10 Wages Regulations (WR) was also examined by using the wages productivity based formula approved by the Employment Relations Advisory Board (ERAB) in 2012 for the review of the WR in 2012 and 2014; these data and information were used to review the NMW and the ten WRs respectively.
35 Output 7: Cordial bilateral and multilateral relationships Facilitating all international obligations The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations attended the 106th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland during the period under review in supporting green jobs in response to climate change.
At the Conference, Fiji showed its support on the call for green jobs and green initiative while responding to the reports of the Government, employer representative and worker International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director-General and the Chair of the ILO Governing Body.

representative attended the 2017 conference.


These reports highlight that green jobs and green initiative is the future of work in a changing climate and we must work towards Participation of the tripartite delegation to the ILC achieving sustainable growth, productive employment and decent work.
and other international events Transition to green jobs and green initiative will mean prioritizing investments that reduce climate pollution, enhancing The Fijian Government with its tripartite delegation environmentally sustainable innovation, and encouraging a positive transition with decent jobs and social justice in mind.
Fiji’s attended the 106th Session of the International COP 23 Presidency which will be transparent and inclusive will advance the Paris Agreement and accelerate climate action Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland from 5 to for vulnerable societies.

The Fijian tripartite delegation comprising Government, employer representative and worker representative attended the 2017 conference.

16 June 2017.
16 June 2017.

Participation of the tripartite delegation to the ILC and other international events The Government Delegation attended the opening The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations attended the 106th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland during the period under review in supporting green jobs in response to climate change.
At ILO Reporting obligations of the Conference whuch was represented by Fiji’s The Fijian Government with its tripartite delegation attended the 106th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, the Conference, Fiji showed its support on the call for green jobs and green initiative while responding to the reports of the Switzerland from 5 to 16 June 2017.
The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Permanent Representative to the United Nations & International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director-General and the Chair of the ILO Governing Body.
Industrial Relations attended the 106th Session of other International Organisations, Nazhat Shameem The Government Delegation attended the opening of the Conference and was represented by Fiji’s Permanent Representative to These reports highlight that green jobs and green initiative is the future of work in a changing climate and we must work towards the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Khan, Permanent Secretary for Employment, the United Nations and other International Organisations, Nazhat Shameem Khan, Permanent Secretary for Employment, achieving sustainable growth, productive employment and decent work.
Productivity and Industrial Relations, Salaseini Daunabuna, First Secretary, Ajendra Pratap and the Assistant Director Labour Switzerland during the period under review in Productivity & Industrial Relations, Salaseini Standard Services, Ministry of Employment, Atish Kumar.

Transition to green jobs and green initiative will mean prioritizing investments that reduce climate pollution, enhancing supporting green jobs in response to climate change.
Daunabuna, First Secretary, Ajendra Pratap and the environmentally sustainable innovation, and encouraging a positive transition with decent jobs and social justice in mind.

Fiji’s Assistant Director Labour Standard Services, Ministry COP 23 Presidency which will be transparent and inclusive will advance the Paris Agreement and accelerate climate action The Employers’ Group are represented by Himen Chandra, President of the Fiji Commence and Employers’ Federation while the for vulnerable societies.
The Fijian tripartite delegation comprising Government, employer representative and worker of Employment, Atish Kumar.

At the Conference, Fiji showed its support on the call Workers’ Group are represented by Felix Anthony, General Secretary of the Fiji Trades Union Congress.

representative attended the 2017 conference.


for green jobs and green initiative while responding to Participation of the tripartite delegation to the ILC and other international events the reports of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director-General and the Chair of the ILO The Fijian Government with its tripartite delegation attended the 106th Session of the International Labour Conference in Geneva, Governing Body.

Switzerland from 5 to 16 June 2017.


The Government Delegation attended the opening of the Conference and was represented by Fiji’s Permanent Representative to These reports highlight that green jobs and green the United Nations and other International Organisations, Nazhat Shameem Khan, Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Salaseini Daunabuna, First Secretary, Ajendra Pratap and the Assistant Director Labour initiative is the future of work in a changing climate.
Standard Services, Ministry of Employment, Atish Kumar.

The Employers’ Group are represented by Himen Chandra, President of the Fiji Commence and Employers’ Federation while the Transition to green jobs and green initiative will mean Workers’ Group are represented by Felix Anthony, General Secretary of the Fiji Trades Union Congress.
prioritizing investments that reduce climate pollution, enhancing environmentally sustainable innovation, encouraging a positive transition with decent jobs and social justice in mind.

Fiji’s COP 23 Presidency which will be transparent and inclusive will advance the Paris Agreement.

It will accelerate climate action for vulnerable societies.
The Fijian tripartite delegation comprising Page 57 of 90 36 Page 57 of 90 The Employers’ Group are represented by Himen Chandra, President of the Fiji Commence and Employers’ Federation while the Workers’ Group are represented by Felix Anthony, General Secretary of the Fiji Trades Union Congress.
The Director-General of the International Labour Organisation Guy Ryder presented his report at the opening of the Conference, focusing on ‘Work in a Changing Climate: The ‘Green Initiative’, stressing in his address that climate change is real and is a result of human activities.

The challenge for delegates is assessing what climate change means for the world of work and how the ILO can contribute to the just transition to environmental sustainability to advance decent work whilst protecting the planet.
The Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Honourable Jone Usamate addressed the meeting on Friday 9 June, 2017.

Memorandum of Agreement with the Government of Tuvalu A memorandum of agreement between the Fijian government and the government of Tuvalu was signed during the year for the placement of 20 volunteer nurses in Tuvalu.
The Ministry expressed appreciation to the Government of Tuvalu for coming forward to engage Fiji’s retired medical professional under the Fijian Government’s Volunteer Service initiative.

The Fijian Government sincerely thanked the Government of Tuvalu for choosing to partner with the Ministry under the Fiji Volunteer Scheme.
This is the first time for the provision of personnel in the medical sector for regional countries; therefore this engagement of 20 volunteer nurses for Tuvalu will greatly assist in the development assistance of the medical sector region.

The Fijian Government acknowledges the south- south cooperation in sending its health personnel for the first time to assist in improving the health and medical services for Tuvalu as well as sharing this concept with other neighbouring Pacific Island countries.
Tuvalu High Commissioner to Fiji, Temate Melitiana on behalf of the Government of Tuvalu expressed his gratitude towards the Fijian Government for the volunteer initiative which allows Pacific Island countries to access assistance in improving the required services.
37 Financial Statements As at 31 July 2017 38 Budgetary Allocation $16,293,605 Actual Expenditure $12,870.152 ( 79% ) Balance $3,423,453 ( 21% ) 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 ANNEXURES Output 2: Regulate labour laws to ensure social justice, good faith employment relations, safe and productivity-driven workplaces NATIONAL OHS SERVICE Conducted OHS Proactive Services (2015-2016/2017 In August 2016 to July 2017, the National OHS Service conducted a total of 11,127 compliance activities against the annual target of 11,000.
The graph illustrates the number of OHS Compliance activities conducted against annual target with 3 years comparison commencing from 2015 Conducted OHS Proactive Services (2015-2016/2017 The National OHS Services’ Compliance role includes statutory inspections, engineering design vetting of plants and buildings, workplace commissioning and general workplace inspections as depicted in the graphs below: Engineering Design Vetting of Plant/Machinery The Health and Safety at Work (Administration) Regulations 1997 specifies the registration and vetting of plant/machinery designs under the Fourth Schedule to ensure their compliance with the approved reliability and safety standards.
Enforcement of safety engineering principles to improve health and safety in workplaces, through the application of recognised standards and Codes of Practice are conducted.

This improves technological compliance and minimises OHS risks.

All new plants (pressure 58 vessels, lifting equipment, mobile plants, passenger lifts etc.)

are checked against safety standards prior to use at workplaces.

The total number of plant/machinery vetted from August 2016 to July 2017 was 422 as shown in the graph above.
The increase was due to the influx of civil engineering plants and machineries for the construction sector developments and cyclone Winston rehabilitation works.

Engineering Design Vetting of Workplaces Workplace designs are vetted to ensure compliance with the Health and Safety at Work (General Workplace Conditions) Regulations 2003.
Regulation 63 of the GWC states that every building that is used as a workplace shall be of sound construction and kept in a good state so that it does not expose the occupants to unacceptable OHS risks.

Regulation 64 of the GWC states that the design of any new workplace must be granted approval by the Chief Health and Safety Inspector, before the rural and local authorities proceed with the building application.
All drawings of new workplaces and also addition or alteration to existing workplaces are checked to ensure they comply with the minimum OHS standards prior to the commencement of construction.

From August 2016 to July 2017, a total of 492 workplace designs were vetted, as shown in the graph below.

The increase in the number of workplace designs is attributed to the demolition and reconstruction of damaged workplaces such as schools, health centres, police and other government stations.
Page 29 of 90 Workers' Compensation Cases Settled WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION 1,293 Workers' Compensation Cases Settled Workers' Compensation Cases Settled 1,301 1,301 1,301 1,293 1,293 680 680 680 Target Achieved 588 588 588 Target 694 650 694 694 Achieved 650 650 Target Achieved 2015 2016 (jan-jul) 2016/2017 Target Target Achieved Achieved Target Target Achieved Achieved Target Target Achieved Achieved 2015 2015 Workers' Compensation Cases Paid-Out 2016 (jan-jul) 2016 (jan-jul) 2016/2017 2016/2017 Workers' Compensation Cases Paid-Out Workers' Compensation Cases Paid-Out 300 300 410 410 410 214 116 214 150 150 146 92 300 300 300 300 139 ACHIEVED 214 116 2015 150 TARGET 150 ACHIEVED 146 TARGET ACHIEVED 139 150 150 2016 (JAN-JUL) 146 92 2016/2017 139 116 ACHIEVED Private Sector Cases Paid-out TARGET 92 ACHIEVED Government Cases Paid-out TARGET ACHIEVED 100 100 TARGET 100 100 100 100 TARGET TARGET 2015 ACHIEVED TARGET 2016 (JAN-JUL) ACHIEVED TARGET 2016/2017 ACHIEVED 2015 Private Sector Cases Paid-out 2016 (JAN-JUL) Government Cases Paid-out 2016/2017 Private Sector Cases Paid-out Government Cases Paid-out Workers'Compensation Payout $2,553,417.27 Workers'Compensation Payout $2,600,530.06 Workers'Compensation Payout $2,553,417.27 $2,600,530.06 $2,553,417.27 $1,374,330 $1,232,987.56 $2,600,530.06 $305,493.64 2015 $305,493.64 $485,497.62 $1,374,330 $1,232,987.56 $1,374,330 $485,497.62 2016 (JAN-JUL) $1,232,987.56 2016/2017 $305,493.64 2015 Private Sector Cases Payout $485,497.62 Government Cases Payout 2016 (JAN-JUL) 2016/2017 Private Sector Cases Payout 2015 Private Sector Cases Payout Government Cases Payout 2016 (JAN-JUL) 59 Government Cases Payout 2016/2017 LABOUR STANDARDS SERVICE Workplace Inspections Conducted (2015-2016/2017) 4,128 3,500 4,000 3,642 2,800 1,903 Target Achieved Target Achieved Target Achieved 2015 2016 (Jan-Jul) 2016/2017 Labour Complaints (2015-2016/2017) 967 700 901 600 441 300 Target Achieved Target Achieved Target Achieved 2015 2016 (Jan-Jul) 2016/2017 A total of 1,620 Whoesale and Retail Trade (WRT) inspections have been conducted which in terms of the Pareto principle defines well with the number of the labour complaints recorded from that particular sector which is 499 complaints.
It is noted that majority of the small and medium enterprises are mostly Wholesale and Retail based and this is where majority of the complaints are recorded.

It is also noted that majority of the complaints surface after the termination or resignation of the employees from the sectors covered under the Wages Regulations.
The National Minimum Wage (NMW) is one of the very important component of social justice system with workers who were never paid a minimum rate are now benefiting from the regulated rate of $2.32 per hour of work, this includes the areas of work like car wash, domestic work and backyard garages.
Page 34 of 90 60 Mediation Recoveries $3,578,589.44 $762,266.03 $200,000 $117,000 $355,786.65 $200,000 Target Achieved Target Achieved Target Achieved 2015 2016 2016/2017 Notices issued (2015-2016/2017 Employment Grievance Settlement Rate 1,068 82.3% 500 75% 500 75% 82% 451 700 75% 83% 519 Target Achieved Target Achieved Target Achieved Target 2015 Achieved Target 2016 (Jan-Jul) Achieved Target 2016/2017 Achieved 2015 2016 2016/2017 MEDIATION SERVICE Child Labour (2015-2016/2017) Mediation Recoveries Employment Dispute Settlement Rate $3,578,589.44 9 54.55% $762,266.03 6 40% $200,000 Target Target Target Achieved Achieved Achieved 2015 2015 2015 5 40% $117,000 Target Target Target $355,786.65 25% 1 Achieved Achieved Achieved 2016 2016 (Jan-Jul) 2016 10 10 70% 40% $200,000 Target Target Target Achieved Achieved Achieved 2016/2017 2016/2017 2016/2017 Employment Grievance Settlement Rate 82.3% 82% 83% 75% 75% 75% Target Achieved Target Achieved Target Achieved 2015 2016 2016/2017 Employment Dispute Settlement Rate 61 70% 54.55% 40% 40% 40% 25% Target Achieved Target Achieved Target Achieved 2015 2016 2016/2017 Output 3: Elimination of Child Labour Output 4: Every Worker to Earn a Decent Wage The total recoveries for the year amounted to $220,918.48 which has noted that the compliance and inspection procedures are on focus recording high recovery rate on complaints regarding hours of work and the rate of pay.
The inspection process has been vigorous where the compliance issues has been dealt with and the dues are recovered and paid to the workers.

Labour Complaints A total of 2,024 labour complaints were received from the 10 sectoral industries and a total of 328 complaints were received from the NMW industries.

The total complaints received for the year stands at 2,352.
The LSS Section has settled a total of 901 labour complaints with the pending number of complaints standing at 1,451 complaints within the current year Page 35 of 90 62 Page 35 of 90 The total recoveries for the year amounted to $220,918.48 which has noted that the compliance and inspection procedures are on focus recording high recovery rate on complaints regarding hours of work and the rate of pay.
The inspection process has been vigorous where the compliance issues has been dealt with and the dues are recovered and paid to the workers.

Labour Complaints A total of 2,024 labour complaints were received from the 10 sectoral industries and a total of 328 complaints were received from the NMW industries.

The total complaints received for the year stands at 2,352.
The LSS Section has settled a total of 901 labour complaints with the pending number of complaints standing at 1,451 complaints within the current year 63 Output 5: Employment Creation Service NATIONAL EMPLOYMENT CENTER NEC Registration (2015-2016/2017) 10,124 2,000 1,000 3,251 2,000 4,168 Target Achieved Target Achieved Target Achieved 2015 2016 2016/2017 Life Skills Training (# Clients) 1,000 1,042 500 410 100 192 Target Achieved Target Achieved Target Achieved 2015 2016 2016/2017 64 NEC Registration (2015-2016/2017) 10,124 2,000 1,000 3,251 2,000 4,168 Target Achieved Target Achieved Target Achieved 2015 2016 2016/2017 65 Output 6: Ensure a Well-Informed Labour Market Under the Labour Laws 66 67