Minister for Employment, Agni Deo Singh has expressed happiness for the Vatukoula Gold miners following the recent national budget announcement. During his address in Parliament, the Minister commended the government’s decision to raise the minimum wage, increase civil servant pay and resolve the Fiji Mine Workers Union strike, which has lasted for nearly 40 years.
According to Mr. Singh, these decisions were reached through due process and extensive consultation. He is particularly pleased for the Vatukoula miners, who had been waiting for action for 33 years. Mr. Singh acknowledged that despite their initial skepticism, a resolution has now been accomplished.
In addition, he expressed his gratitude to Felix Anthony, the national secretary of the Fiji Trades Union Congress, for assisting in securing this deal. As a result of the agreement, miner’s families will receive $25,000, with $10,000 being given this year and the remaining $15,000 next year. Mr. Singh is expected to meet with the executives of the Vatukoula Miners Union next week in Lautoka to discuss further details.