Bangladeshi Workers at Labasa Farm Receive Annual Leave Dues

The Acting Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Mr Atish Kumar, has confirmed that Bangladeshi workers employed at Charan Jeath Singh’s farm in Waiqele, Labasa have now received their annual leave entitlements.

Mr Kumar said the Ministry followed due process under the Employment Relations Act to resolve the matter after concerns were raised about the workers' leave payments.

Investigations by the Ministry's compliance team revealed that the workers had been paid $5.50 per hour—above the national minimum wage—and had worked during their annual leave period. However, the Ministry advised the farm’s management that annual leave payments needed to be made separately from regular wages.

“The management was cooperative and paid the dues accordingly once they were informed,” Mr Kumar said. “We acknowledge their compliance with other minimum standards and thank them for their support throughout the process.”

The Ministry has confirmed that it will continue to monitor the situation to ensure ongoing compliance with employment laws.