The 33-year long struggle of the Fiji Mine Workers Union has ended, according to union president Josefa Sadreu. Their 368 members suffered significant hardships, which previous governments failed to address. The conflict, dubbed by the International Labour Organization (ILO) as the world’s longest strike, saw the former miner commended for his tireless efforts.
On Saturday, Mr. Sadreu spoke to reporters about the triumph borne out of trying family times and persistent challenges. Success came with the announcement of the Vatukoula Settlement Strike’s $9.2 million allocation by Finance Minister Biman Prasad during the 2024-2025 National Budget.
Professor Prasad outlined that each striking miner would receive $25,000. $10,000 will come from the 2024-2025 budget, with the remaining $15,000 to be allocated from the 2025-2026 budget.
Mr. Sadreu expressed gratitude towards the Finance Minister for including the allocation in the budget. He admitted some members were disgruntled by the sum; however, he urged acceptance and thanks for the resolution of the long-standing issue.
Mr. Sadreu emphasized the distressing financial circumstances and fractured families that his members endured, an issue neglected by previous governments. The Coalition Government, he said, was the first to empathise with their suffering and take action.
Gratitude was also extended to the Minister of Finance and the Coalition Government for recognizing the members’ problems and resolving the issue.
Mr. Sadreu said that the Fiji Mine Workers Union will conduct a formal meeting with the Minister of Labour, his Permanent Secretary, and a team from the Prime Minister’s office. They will meet the union members at the Vatukoula Gold Mine the following day.