SODELPA is committed to ensuring that every Fijian has the opportunity to work, to earn a fair wage, to work in safe and dignified conditions, and to see their efforts reflected in national productivity and prosperity.
We believe that strong employment, high productivity, and fair industrial relations are the foundation of a thriving economy and the wellbeing of all communities.
Background
SODELPA has consistently highlighted the importance of creating jobs, improving wages, and protecting workersβ rights. The Party advocates for policies that strengthen collective bargaining, expand apprenticeships, and create new opportunities for Fijians both locally and abroad.
As part of its ongoing development agenda, SODELPA places employment growth, productivity improvement, and industrial harmony at the heart of national progress.
Our Vision
A labour market where Fijians are employed in meaningful work, productivity is high, employers and employees engage in fair dialogue, and the rights and welfare of all workers are protected.
Key Policy Priorities
1. Job Creation and Employment Growth
- Promote both small-business and large-scale enterprise growth to generate decent and sustainable jobs.
- Expand apprenticeship, vocational training, and technical education to prepare youth and adults for future employment.
- Facilitate labour mobility and overseas employment opportunities to broaden income sources for Fijian families.
2. Productivity Enhancement
- Support national programmes to raise productivity across all sectors, including digital transformation and efficiency reforms.
- Encourage partnerships between government, employers, and unions to introduce best-practice productivity measures.
- Promote lifelong learning and continuous skills upgrading so that Fijiβs workforce remains competitive and adaptable.
3. Fair Wages and Working Conditions
- Ensure minimum wage reviews are regular and aligned with both productivity growth and the cost of living.
- Promote safe workplaces and strictly enforce occupational health and safety standards.
- Strengthen employment contracts, dispute-resolution mechanisms, and the protection of worker rights, including collective bargaining.
4. Industrial Relations and Tripartite Dialogue
- Restore and strengthen tripartite mechanisms for regular dialogue between government, employers, and workers.
- Promote fair and transparent industrial relations practices, ensuring disputes are resolved efficiently and equitably.
- Uphold the right of workers to organise, bargain collectively, and work in an environment of respect and mutual understanding.
5. Labour Mobility and Global Integration
- Expand overseas employment and seasonal work programmes to create new income opportunities and boost national remittances.
- Align Fijiβs labour standards with international best practices to protect workersβ rights and promote fair employment.
- Ensure the welfare and protection of Fijian workers abroad and of foreign workers employed in Fiji.
6. Inclusive Workforce Development
- Promote equal employment opportunities for all Fijians regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background.
- Focus on youth and rural employment, and provide pathways for those who are unemployed or underemployed.
- Encourage employer practices that reward merit, build career advancement opportunities, and adapt to the evolving digital economy.
Looking Ahead
As SODELPA renews its platform for the 2026 General Election, the Party will continue to focus on building a resilient workforce, boosting productivity, and ensuring that employment policies reflect fairness, dignity, and shared prosperity.
Through partnership, innovation, and inclusive growth, SODELPA envisions a Fiji where every citizen can work with pride, earn with dignity, and contribute to national progress.