Women garment workers face significant challenges, especially when factories shut down, as emphasized by Inbamalar Wanarajan, president of the Textile Clothing and Footwear Council. The recent closure of two factories in Ba and Nadi has brought attention to the precarious conditions these workers endure.
Many women in the garment sector have low qualifications, which limits their job prospects and makes it difficult to secure new employment following factory closures. Wanarajan highlighted that this vulnerability detrimentally affects their economic stability and overall health.
Raijeli Mila, a former employee of the Ba factory, shared her experiences of being laid off, noting that signs of financial distress had been apparent for months. Management had signaled that they were struggling with dwindling orders and rising costs before informing workers in late December that they would not return, a blow to those who had recently received pay raises.
The broader garment industry in Fiji is grappling with various challenges, including stiff competition from cheaper imports and increasing operational costs, resulting in substantial job losses. Employment in the textile sector has plummeted from around 7,000 to 4,000 since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, further compounded by recent factory closures.
Industry leaders, including Wanarajan, have issued warnings that without reforms and support, additional shutdowns may be on the horizon. Trade Minister Manoa Kamikamica is currently engaging in discussions to identify innovative strategies to address these deep-rooted challenges.
Despite the difficulties faced by the garment industry, this situation could lead to constructive dialogue and potential reforms that foster a more sustainable future for both workers and manufacturers. Initiatives focused on enhancing worker productivity while ensuring fair compensation could cultivate a more resilient economic environment, benefitting both employees and businesses.
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