The president of the Fiji Mine Workers union, Josefa Sadreu, jubilantly acknowledged the $9.2 million payout approved by the Coalition Government for the 368 Vatukoula Gold Mine workers. These workers, who were on strike for a remarkable 33 years, faced considerable hardships within their families and overcame numerous challenges before finally achieving this victory.
Felix Anthony, the general secretary of the Fiji Trade Union Congress (FTUC), expressed gratitude towards the Government for resolving what the International Labour Organization (ILO) has classified as the world’s longest lasting strike.
Elated by the triumphant announcement, the families of the striking workers couldn’t conceal their emotions. A 41-year-old miner, Paula Vukunisiga, from Naloto Village in Verata, Tailevu, shared his heartfelt reaction by recounting how overwhelmed he was that he retired to his room, unable to control his emotions following the news.