Pacific Island countries are being urged to strengthen regional labour cooperation as the region faces growing pressure from climate change, skills shortages and changes in the global workforce.

Fiji’s growing skills shortage is leaving businesses struggling to fill jobs, with at least 95 positions still vacant across key industries as companies increasingly turn to overseas labour.

Preparations are underway for the 147th Girmit Commemoration, which will be held this Friday at the Fiji Museum, bringing renewed focus on the legacy of Girmitiyas and the enduring cultural ties between Fiji and India.

Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources Filimoni Vosarogo will serve as Acting Prime Minister while Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka travels to Papua New Guinea for the inaugural Melanesian Ocean Summit.

The Fiji Commerce and Employers Federation says the Fiji Trades Union Congress’s call for an $8 an hour national living wage must be evidenced and balanced against unique challenges such as low productivity, widening skills gaps, high youth unemployment and rising cost of freight and production inputs.

Electoral integrity and the independence of election bodies have been raised as a key concern in a submission to the Constitution Review Commission.

The Agriculture Ministry is working on a proposed Kava Bill and national policy to strengthen Fiji’s kava industry.

The Fiji Trades Union Congress launched its $8 an hour national living wage campaign at its 51st Biennial Delegates Conference over the weekend.

The Commander of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai, has urged military personnel to remain calm, disciplined, and law-abiding amid what he described as “unfolding events” facing the country.

Namosi landowners say concerns over the long-term health of river systems and the wellbeing of people living downstream were among the major reasons they opposed continued mining prospecting in the area.

Workers’ rights are facing growing pressure as global systems, technology, and labour shortages continue to reshape the world of work.

The rules-based international order is under growing pressure due to rising geopolitical competition and power politics across the world.