The Ministry of Employment, the Office of the Prime Minister, the Fiji Trade Union Congress (FTUC), and the Fiji Mine Workers have signed an agreement to provide a $9.2 million payout to 368 mining workers who were involved in a 33-year strike.
The agreement was finalized at the FTUC Lautoka branch on Marine Drive on Thursday.
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh, stated that the ministry collaborated with union executives to ensure the payout and final settlement.
“The Coalition Government, along with the FTUC and the Fiji Mine Workers Union, has reached a resolution with a total payout of $9.2 million over two years,” Singh said. “Each of the 368 mining workers on strike will receive $25,000, with the first $10,000 paid from this budget and the remaining $15,000 from the 2025-2026 budget.”
Singh noted that Prime Minister delegated this task, and the ministry engaged with the affected families early this year. “These families were emotional during our visit, and we assured them of the government’s commitment to finding a swift resolution,” he added.
FTUC General Secretary Felix Anthony expressed relief that a settlement was reached after 33 years. He acknowledged that no amount of money could compensate for the years of hardship experienced by the workers but emphasized the importance of government recognition of their plight.
“We recognize that we can never fully compensate these workers, but this agreement shows the Government’s understanding and acknowledgment of their struggles,” Anthony said. He also highlighted that the previous government had pledged to the International Labour Organization to resolve the issue.
“We are thankful to this Government for acting on it. While this amount may not fully compensate the workers, it’s a positive step towards closure,” he stated, noting that the first payment of $10,000 would be made in early August.
Unfortunately, 183 of the workers have passed away, but their families continue to be involved. “We are happy with the resolution and will keep assisting these workers as they now need to look at housing and other needs, which will involve further discussions with the mining company and potential government assistance,” Anthony added.
Fiji Mine Workers Union President Joseva Sadreu expressed gratitude to the government, FTUC, the Office of the Prime Minister, and the Ministry of Employment and Industrial Relations for formalizing the agreement.
“I praise the Lord for making this happen after such a long and painful strike in Vatukoula. I thank our members and their families for their support,” Sadreu said.
About 12 executive members witnessed the signing, and the members are scheduled to meet in Vatukoula on Saturday.