The Fiji Mine Workers Union reached a significant milestone yesterday by finalizing the agreement on the Vatukoula Strike Payout.
Presented by the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh, the settlement will provide compensation to 368 miners who have sought justice for 33 years.
At the signing, Singh acknowledged the impact of the strike on many miners’ lives. Under this agreement, each miner will receive $10,000 by August 2024, with an additional payment of $15,000 slated for next year.
Fiji Mine Workers Union president, Joseva Sadreau, expressed his gratitude to the Coalition Government, sharing the hardships faced by the 368 miners over the past three decades.
“I would like to thank the Coalition Government for coming down for the signing because at least we are getting something from nothing.”
“I want to thank the almighty for all of this, never mind if people are going to say the amount is this but it’s already signed. I want to thank the lord, the management, and the current Government for doing this.”
Among the 368 miners, 183 have passed away, leaving 185 surviving.
The Minister for Employment stated that for the deceased miners, the ministry will work to identify their families to ensure they receive the payout.