The Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) has announced that all seasonal workers impacted by the temporary release at the Rarawai Mill will receive their full entitlements, following a collaborative agreement with relevant trade unions. This decision affects 145 workers who were released after comprehensive consultations with union representatives, clarifying any confusion regarding their employment status.
The move comes in the wake of a fire incident on September 17, which severely damaged the Rarawai Mill and necessitated a suspension of crushing operations. FSC Chairman Nitya Reddy emphasized that efforts to restore operations have been consistent, but progress has been hindered by delays in obtaining critical replacement parts.
During the downtime, seasonal employees were retained and assigned alternative duties to keep them engaged. However, as these tasks have now concluded, a review of workforce requirements led to the decision to temporarily release these workers, adhering to the “last in, first out” principle to protect the interests of longer-serving employees.
The FSC has confirmed that it complied with all necessary notification requirements and that the last day of employment for the affected seasonal workers is today. Reddy reassured that all outstanding payments will be processed, and the impacted workers will be compensated as agreed upon with their respective unions.
Looking ahead, the FSC anticipates the resumption of crushing operations by early to mid-December 2025, following the completion of safety checks and necessary repairs. Once operations are back to normal, all affected seasonal workers will be re-engaged under existing agreements, reflecting the FSC’s commitment to restoring stability to its operations.
This proactive approach is essential in light of the industry’s historical challenges, including previous operational disruptions highlighted by ongoing mechanical issues and operational safety protocols. The FSC’s collaboration with unions and stakeholders is critical in ensuring the welfare of workers while stabilizing operations, paving the way for a more resilient future for Fiji’s vital sugar sector. Through these shared efforts, there is hope for recovery and a positive outlook for the communities relying on sugar production for their livelihoods.
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