Garment Workers at Risk: Can Reforms Save Jobs in Fiji’s Textile Industry?

Women garment workers are particularly vulnerable when factories shut down, according to Inbamalar Wanarajan, the president of the Textile Clothing and Footwear Council. The closure of two garment factories in Ba and Nadi in December has highlighted the precarious situation these workers face.

Many women in this sector possess minimal qualifications, which restricts their job opportunities and makes it harder to find new employment in the event of factory closures. Wanarajan emphasized that this vulnerability adversely impacts their economic stability and overall wellbeing.

Raijeli Mila, a former worker from the Ba factory, recounted her experiences of being laid off. She noted that signs of financial trouble had been evident for months, as management indicated that they could not sustain operations due to falling orders and increased operational costs. By late December, all workers were informed they would not be returning, which hit them hard despite recent pay increases they had welcomed.

Reports suggest that the garment industry in Fiji is facing broader challenges, including competition from cheaper imports and rising operational costs, which have caused significant job losses. Employment in the textile sector has declined from approximately 7,000 to 4,000 since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with recent closures adding to this downturn.

Wanarajan and other industry leaders have warned that further factory shutdowns could occur if reforms and support are not provided to bolster the local manufacturing sector. Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica is currently in discussions to explore innovative solutions to these entrenched issues.

While these developments paint a challenging picture for the garment industry, they also present a chance for dialogue and reforms that could ultimately foster a more sustainable future for both workers and manufacturers. Initiatives aimed at improving worker productivity while ensuring fair wages could lead to a more resilient economic landscape, balancing the needs of employees and businesses alike.