The Ministry of Employment, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Fiji Trade Union Congress (FTUC), and the Fiji Mine Workers have reached an agreement to provide a $9.2 million payout to 368 mining workers involved in a 33-year strike.
The agreement was signed at the FTUC Lautoka branch on Thursday.
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh, stated that the ministry, along with union executives, worked on executing the payout and finalizing the settlement through the agreement’s signing.
“The Coalition Government, in collaboration with the FTUC and the Fiji Mine Workers Union, has finally resolved this issue with a total payout of $9.2 million over two years,” said Singh. “Each of the 368 striking mining workers will receive $25,000, with the first $10,000 paid from this year’s budget and the remaining $15,000 from the 2025-2026 budget.”
He added, “The Prime Minister prioritized this agenda, and in the first quarter of this year, the ministry revisited and met with the affected families.”
“These families were understandably emotional during the visit, but they were assured of the coalition government’s commitment to finding a swift solution.”
FTUC general secretary Felix Anthony expressed relief that a settlement was reached after 33 years. “No amount can compensate for the 33 years of hardship and pain that the mine workers endured,” he said. “While we can never fully compensate these workers, this agreement recognizes their plight and ensures government acknowledgment.”
Anthony highlighted that the signing also reflects the fulfillment of the previous government’s commitment to the International Labour Organization to compensate these workers and resolve the matter. “We are grateful to the current government for acting on this. Though the workers would want more, this is a step forward and brings some closure. As the minister indicated, the first $10,000 payment will be made in early August.”
Sadly, 183 of these workers have passed away, but their families remain. “We are pleased with the decision to resolve this matter and will continue to assist these workers moving forward,” Anthony said, noting the need for future discussions on housing and resettlement for those living in company-provided housing.
Fiji Mine Workers Union president Joseva Sadreu thanked the government, FTUC, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Ministry of Employment and Industrial Relations for facilitating the agreement’s formalization. “I would like to praise the Lord for what is happening because it proves that God reveals reality and makes things happen. I’m proud and thankful for the resolution after the long and painful strike in Vatukoula, and I thank the members and their families for their support.”
About 12 executive members witnessed the signing of both payouts. The members will meet on Saturday in Vatukoula.