FIJI Water plans restructure that could cut 51 Fiji-based roles, with severance and 60-day consultation
FIJI Water has disclosed a proposed restructure that could affect 51 positions across its Fiji operations, according to a staff letter dated August 13, 2025, from senior vice president of operations Damir Hlebec. The changes would impact the Naikabula Depot and the Yaqara Plant, with a potential loss of 19 salaried roles and 32 hourly positions, as the company seeks greater efficiencies in a climate of ongoing global economic uncertainty.
Key details
– The restructuring would affect Naikabula Depot and the Yaqara Plant.
– Potential redundancies: 19 salaried roles and 32 hourly roles (total 51 positions).
– Timeline: a 60-day consultation period with employees before any final decision.
– If redundancies proceed, affected staff would receive severance pay equal to three months’ base salary, plus two weeks’ pay for each year of service.
– Redundancy selections will consider skills, experience, flexibility, team fit, and attendance records.
What employees and communities should know
– The company says it understands the period is challenging and commits to keeping staff informed throughout the process.
– FIJI Water has met with the general secretary of the National Union of Workers and emphasizes a constructive approach to supporting impacted employees during the transition.
– The aim is to maintain FIJI Water as a strong and resilient business while continuing to invest in ongoing projects and in the communities where it operates.
Broader context and forward look
– The move comes as FIJI Water has faced softening sales in key markets and flat growth over several years, reinforcing the need to streamline operations to sustain long-term viability.
– This restructuring aligns with the company’s broader workforce strategy, including initiatives to build local capabilities. In previous disclosures, FIJI Water signalled plans to establish a Career Centre in Suva in partnership with Fiji National University to boost job readiness and skills development, aimed at addressing local workforce needs.
– The company has also signaled substantial investment in expanding capacity, with reports of more than FJ$140 million allocated to grow operations and prepare for future demand. These efforts reflect FIJI Water’s commitment to balancing short-term efficiency with long-term growth and community investment.
What this means for the future
– If the restructure proceeds, the company intends to support affected employees through severance and a clear process while continuing existing projects and community commitments.
– The ongoing collaboration with the union suggests a focus on constructive engagement and workforce development to mitigate impacts and help affected workers transition smoothly.
Additional notes and considerations
– This development occurs in a sector and region where skill gaps and workforce planning are ongoing topics, underscoring the importance of strong human-capital strategies alongside operational efficiency.
– Observers may look to FIJI Water’s broader investments in workforce development and local capacity as indicators of how the company plans to navigate market pressures while supporting Fiji’s economy and communities.
Overall, the proposed redundancies represent a difficult but strategic step for FIJI Water aimed at maintaining competitive and sustainable operations in a challenging global environment, while continuing to invest in local talent and long-term growth. Affected employees can expect a structured process over the 60-day consultation window, with severance and potential opportunities under the company’s broader workforce initiatives.
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