Workers from the Vatukoula Gold Mine Workers Union, who participated in the longest strike in the nation’s history, received a substantial $3.6 million settlement from the Coalition Government yesterday. The ceremonial handover of the cheque represented a pivotal moment in the fight for social justice and workers’ rights.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka expressed deep emotion while reflecting on the lengthy strike that began in 1991, acknowledging the profound impact it had on miners and their families, leading to significant emotional and financial struggles. He apologized to the workers and their families for having to endure the repercussions of a dispute that he believed could have been resolved during his earlier tenure as interim prime minister, following the 1987 coup, 33 years ago.
Rabuka extended heartfelt appreciation to the miners and their families for their resilience and the sacrifices they had made throughout the extended strike. “You have shown us the true meaning of strength, and your struggle for justice inspires us all,” he remarked.
He recognized the support of the Fiji Trades Union Congress and thanked the Ministry of Employment and the Office of the Prime Minister for assisting in rectifying the injustices faced by the mine workers. Union president Josefa Sadreu shared that the hard work of the miners had finally culminated in success, stating, “Today, we finally made it. We thank God for his divine power that guided us through these 33 years.”
Former Vatukoula miner Marika Kaidrokuya expressed joy upon learning about the compensation, calling the news “truly a miracle.” The initial payout of $10,000 is part of a broader $9.2 million settlement to be divided among over 360 miners. A subsequent payment, amounting to $15,000 for each miner, is set to be disbursed in the upcoming 2025-2026 Government budget.