The Fiji government has continued distributing compensation to former Vatukoula mine workers and their families, advancing efforts to resolve one of the country's longest-running industrial disputes.
Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Jone Maritino Nemani last week handed over compensation payments to 13 former mine workers and beneficiaries. Seven beneficiaries received their payments, while the remaining six are scheduled to be paid in the new financial year.
The compensation programme is supported by a government allocation of FJ$9.2 million and recognises workers and their families affected by the industrial dispute that began on February 27, 1991, and lasted for more than 33 years.
The Ministry of Employment said FJ$7.485 million has so far been disbursed, with 298 beneficiaries receiving their full entitlement of FJ$25,000 each.
Five beneficiaries had earlier received an initial payment of FJ$10,000 before their deaths. The remaining FJ$15,000 for each beneficiary will be released to their respective estates once probate procedures have been completed.
The government said FJ$1.515 million remains to be paid to 63 beneficiaries, including those awaiting their full compensation and estates pending probate.
Nemani said the programme extends beyond financial assistance, describing it as a recognition of the resilience and sacrifices of former mine workers and their families.
He said the payments acknowledge the long wait endured by affected families and reflect the government's commitment to providing long-overdue support.
"Each payment reflects the Government's commitment to working with affected families to bring this long chapter in Fiji's industrial history to a respectful and dignified close," Nemani said.
The compensation initiative forms part of the government's efforts to provide closure to families affected by the industrial dispute and fulfil its commitment to resolve longstanding labour issues.
