The government has clarified that compensation for employees laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic will not be a standard practice. This statement comes after Air Terminal Services (ATS) announced that it would provide compensation to former and current employees impacted by the ‘No Jab No Job Policy.’
Professor Biman Prasad, the Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, emphasized that any compensation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, considering the financial capacity of each company and the specific circumstances of the layoffs. He reiterated the Coalition Government’s commitment to restoring workers’ rights while ensuring that compensation schemes are fair and financially sustainable.
Prasad highlighted the example of the Vatukoula Gold Mine workers, where the government intervened after years of unresolved disputes. Following this, final payments for these workers are anticipated in the upcoming budget. The government allocated $9.2 million to settle long-standing issues for 368 miners, reflecting its commitment to addressing past injustices in the workforce.
While ATS is set to distribute a significant payout, it is important to note that the government did not fund this compensation; however, it fully supports the initiative. As a stakeholder in ATS, the government is prepared to receive reduced dividends if it means fair treatment for workers. The distribution of funds for ATS employees is scheduled for May 19, fostering a hopeful outlook as the company bounces back from financial losses experienced during the pandemic, having reported substantial profit gains in recent years.
This initiative not only aims to bring financial relief but also symbolizes an effort to rebuild trust and stability within the workforce, particularly as Fiji continues its recovery from the pandemic’s economic disruptions. The government’s approach towards these compensation measures reflects a promising commitment to enhancing worker welfare and rights in the current economic climate.
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