The Fiji Trade Union Congress (FTUC) has expressed satisfaction with the final resolution of a dispute involving 368 Vatukoula Gold Mine workers. The miners, who have been on strike since 1991, will receive a total payout of $9.2 million.
FTUC General Secretary, Felix Anthony, endorsed the government’s decision, stating that it marked a positive conclusion to the Vatukoula goldmine strike. He also commended the government for addressing the 2019 conflict involving the Water Authority of Fiji, during which several employees were dismissed.
Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad noted that the miners’ strike, which commenced on February 27, 1991, was the longest in history, spanning over three decades. Both he and Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, expressed their appreciation towards Mr. Anthony for his cooperative effort in resolving the significant injustice the mine workers had faced.
Each strike participant is to receive $25,000. The initial $10,000 will be allocated from the current budget and the remaining $15,000 will be paid from the 2025-2026 National Budget. The specifics of the payment are set to be discussed next week when Mr. Singh meets with the Vatukoula Miners’ executive in Lautoka.