Fijian Workers Abroad: A New Era of Support and Fairness

Trade unions in Australia are collaborating with the Fijian government to oversee the working conditions of Fijian seasonal workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme. This partnership comes in response to reported breaches of labor employment standards by these workers. Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh mentioned that since taking office, the government has actively engaged with various stakeholders in Australia and appointed three country liaison officers to facilitate communication and support for workers spread across the vast country.

Minister Singh highlighted ongoing challenges faced by Fijian workers, including non-compliance with minimum wage standards, inappropriate accommodations, and unauthorized pay deductions. Despite these issues, improvements have been noted due to the government’s initiatives and close monitoring, leading to a significant reduction in reported grievances.

During parliamentary updates, Singh shared that approximately 6,669 Fijian workers had gone through the seasonal worker program in Australia, with about 5,000 currently employed there, alongside 750 in New Zealand. However, the registration for new applicants for both the PALM Scheme and the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme has been suspended amid efforts to address a backlog of around 35,000 applications.

The proactive measures taken by the Fijian government, including regular visits to workplaces and the appointment of liaison officers, are crucial steps in ensuring that Fijian workers abroad are treated fairly and equitably. This commitment aligns with ongoing efforts to uphold labor rights and standards not only for Fijian workers overseas but for all workers within Fiji, reinforcing a culture of respect and equitable treatment across the board.

The initiatives inspired by trade union collaboration and ministerial support herald a hopeful outlook for Fijian workers, emphasizing the government’s dedication to improving their welfare while navigating the complexities of international labor migration.