After a remarkable 33 years, members of the Fiji Mine Workers Union, representing workers from the Vatukoula Gold Mine, have finally received their first payment of $3.6 million as part of a long-awaited compensation package.
The strike, recognized as the world’s longest labor strike, began on February 27, 1991, when 368 miners expressed their grievances over unfair treatment and employment conditions. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka presided over the compensation distribution, emphasizing the necessity for the miners to fight for their rights, dignity, and livelihoods. He acknowledged that the pursuit of justice had taken far too long.
During the event, Mr. Rabuka extended a personal apology to the elders present, admitting that he could have intervened more effectively during the early days while he held ministerial power. The initial payment will provide each miner with $10,000, with a second payment of $15,000 to follow from the 2025-2026 National Budget.
Mr. Rabuka reflected on the extensive impact of the strike, highlighting the profound emotional and financial difficulties faced by the miners and their families. He expressed deep empathy for the suffering endured throughout these years and emphasized that the compensation was not just monetary but a recognition of the struggles that have persisted.
Minister for Employment and Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh, who participated in the original strike, shared his sentiments, stating that the day marked the end of a painful chapter. He expressed gratitude for being able to witness this moment and acknowledged the Prime Minister and the Minister for Finance for their roles in resolving this long-standing issue.
Joseva Sadreu, president of the Fiji Mine Workers Union, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Rabuka, stating that their long fight for justice had finally been acknowledged. He noted the emotional weight of the occasion as they celebrated the conclusion of their decades-long struggle.