Over 30 fishermen gathered at the Fiji Trades Union Congress Hall in Suva yesterday to celebrate the establishment of a new fisher’s branch and the rebranding of the Transport Commerce and General Workers Union (TCGWU). This development responds to the fishermen’s demand for improved representation in their industry.

The TCGWU will now serve as a collective voice for all workers, including fishers. The union’s name change from Transport Workers Union to Transport, Commerce and General Workers Union was formalized through an Annual General Meeting in August, receiving registration from the employment ministry.

This transformation comes after years of challenges in adequately representing the fishermen’s interests. Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations, highlighted the importance of this change, stating that the new logo symbolizes the commitment to advocating for workers’ rights across the nation.

A representative from the International Labor Organization noted that this initiative is a historic first for the entire Pacific region—an important marker of progress, especially for fishers who often occupy vulnerable positions in the labor market. The launch of the Fishers Union branch indicates a positive shift, promising a future where the voices of fishermen are acknowledged, and their needs addressed.

This newly established branch not only empowers local fishers in Fiji but also sets a precedent for labor representation throughout the Pacific, underscoring a significant moment for workers’ rights in the region.