The Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) is advocating for greater involvement in the pre-departure briefing sessions for workers participating in the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme. In a recent meeting with representatives from the Employment Ministry, FTUC emphasized the need for inclusion in the introductory sessions where the contracts of workers are initially explained. The union requested enhanced time during these sessions to ensure workers fully understand their rights before embarking on their overseas employment.
In response to these concerns, the Ministry agreed to allow FTUC to take part in the next introductory session. FTUC staff will assist departing workers in comprehending their contracts more thoroughly and will also help them fill out membership forms for the Australian Workers Union (AWU). Subsequently, starting next week, FTUC will be granted more time during the pre-departure briefings to discuss vital issues concerning workers’ rights and the advantages of union membership.
Latileta Gaga Kurabui, the National Organizing Support Officer from AWU, participated in the discussions and traveled to Fiji to reinforce the partnership between FTUC and AWU, which gained formal recognition through a Memorandum of Understanding signed last year. During the pre-departure briefings, Kurabui provided critical information regarding workers’ contracts under the PALM Scheme, focusing on important aspects like wages, work hours, deductions, accommodation, tax, and superannuation.
Workers are entitled to a minimum wage under the PALM Scheme, with casual hourly rates in horticulture set at $29.33 and full-time pay at $23.46. Kurabui highlighted that workers must expect to receive a minimum net pay of $200 per week after taxes and deductions. Moreover, it was emphasized that all Fijian workers are protected by Australian workplace laws, which include measures against discrimination, ensuring fair treatment and access to legal support.
The proactive engagement of FTUC underscores a hopeful trend towards ensuring that Fijian workers are informed, supported, and treated with dignity while working abroad. Through these collaborative efforts, FTUC, AWU, and the Fijian government are collectively striving to enhance worker welfare and uphold labor rights in international employment contexts. This collaborative framework not only strengthens the position of Fijian workers in Australia but also promotes the importance of worker rights and solidarity.
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