Delegates from eight Pacific nations are gathered in Auckland for a conference on employer issues.
The conference, sponsored by the International Labour Organisation and organised by Business NZ, aims to share views and skills on employment matters.
The delegates are director members and executives of the Fiji Employers Federation, the Employers Federation of Papua New Guinea, the Chambers of Commerce of Kiribati, Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Australia, and Business NZ.
Issues faced by the employer organisations in the eight countries vary widely. Tax reform, changes in health care systems, business licensing and employment law are among the most pressing issues reported by delegates. Industrial unrest in Papua New Guinea and election-related issues in the Solomons and Fiji are also on the agenda.
Delegates are sharing skills relating to governance, advocacy, industrial negotiation, member management and policy work.
Tripartism is also a theme, as the organisations in each case are the official ‘social partner’ with unions and governments for tripartite endeavours.
The International Labour Organisation, the United Nations’ employment related agency, is the world body that oversees tripartite labour negotiations. Delegates planned future tripartite initiatives aimed at increasing youth employment and promoting decent work in the Pacific.
New Zealand Labour Minister Ruth Dyson addressed the conference, along with senior officials of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions and the New Zealand Department of Labour.
EMA Northern was the host of a large gathering of Auckland-based Pacific Island business owners and executives in association with the conference.
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