Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has reassured the Fiji Mine Workers Union, its members, and their families of the support from the People’s Coalition Government for the Vatukoula Strike Payout.
During his visit to Vatukoula over the weekend, Rabuka noted that although it has taken more than three decades, there is now hope in sight.
“Last week, the Coalition Government, through the Ministry of Employment, Productivity, and Industrial Relations, signed the final agreement on the Vatukoula Strike Payout with the union,” he said.
“Under the agreement, each miner will receive $10,000 as compensation by August 2024, with an additional payment of $15,000 reserved for the following year.”
Rabuka highlighted that the events of 1991 severely affected many lives. Some miners have passed away, some have returned to their villages, while a few remain in Vatukoula.
Out of the 368 miners, 183 have died while 185 remain.