The Fiji Ministry of Sugar Industry has responded decisively to recent concerns raised by political figures regarding the temporary layoff of seasonal workers at the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s (FSC) Rarawai Mill in Ba. The Ministry asserts that these layoffs are a direct result of a fire incident that occurred at the mill, which has interrupted its normal operations.
Officials have clarified that no permanent job losses have occurred and that seasonal workers, who are employed only during the sugar crushing season, will be called back as soon as operations resume. The Ministry emphasized that all laid-off workers have been compensated with their leave entitlements to assist them during this temporary disruption.
The Ministry firmly rejected claims made by certain political leaders, stating, “Contrary to certain political statements, there has been no intention to lay off seasonal workers outside the usual seasonal cycle.” The recent layoffs at the Rarawai Mill are the result of the fire, which has necessitated repairs, halting crushing indefinitely, though a timeline for the resumption of operations is pending a technical assessment.
The Ministry also commended the FSC for demonstrating good faith by retaining its seasonal workforce for over a month longer than required after the fire incident, during which workers were engaged in essential maintenance tasks. It noted that the terms of seasonal employment have been transparently outlined in workers’ contracts.
This clarification comes amid rising concerns about job security in the sugar sector, especially following criticism from opposition leaders who claimed that the government and FSC had broken promises regarding job security after the fire. While some have described the situation as a betrayal, the Ministry insists that the collaborative discussions with unions have ensured full support for the adjustments being made, opposing any political exploitation of the issue.
In light of the ongoing repairs at the Rarawai Mill, which has faced numerous operational challenges in the past, stakeholders remain hopeful for a smooth recovery. They believe that with continued efforts between the FSC, the Ministry, and local unions, the sugar industry can bounce back from these challenges, potentially leading to a stronger and more resilient economic future for Fiji’s communities dependent on sugar production.
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