More Vatukoula Families Receive $25,000 Compensation Payments

More former Vatukoula mine workers and their families have received long-awaited $25,000 compensation payments, as the Government continues to bring closure to Fiji's longest-running industrial dispute.

Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations Jone Maritino Nemani today handed over a further 13 compensation envelopes to former Vatukoula mine workers and their beneficiaries. Seven beneficiaries received their compensation payments during the ceremony, while the remaining six payments will be processed in the new financial year.

The compensation programme stems from the industrial dispute that began on 27 February 1991, when workers at the Vatukoula Gold Mine commenced what would become Fiji's longest-running industrial dispute, lasting more than 33 years.

To recognise the sacrifices of affected workers and their families, the Government allocated $9.2 million, with each eligible surviving worker or beneficiary entitled to $25,000 in compensation.

So far, $7,485,000 has been paid to workers and beneficiaries. This includes 298 beneficiaries who have received their full $25,000 compensation payment.

A further five beneficiaries had each received an initial payment of $10,000 before passing away. The remaining $15,000 owed to each beneficiary will be paid to their respective estates once probate proceedings have been completed.

A total of $1,515,000 remains to be paid, covering 63 beneficiaries. Of these, 58 beneficiaries are awaiting their full $25,000 compensation, while five beneficiaries are awaiting payment of their remaining $15,000, subject to the completion of probate processes.

Permanent Secretary Nemani said the compensation programme represented far more than financial assistance, describing it as an acknowledgement of the sacrifices made by workers and their families over more than three decades.

"For many of these families, this has been a journey spanning more than three decades. No compensation can restore the years they have lost, but today's payments represent Government's commitment to honouring that history and ensuring those affected receive the recognition they deserve," Mr Nemani said.

He said each payment delivered brought the programme closer to completion while providing long-awaited closure for families who had carried the burden of the dispute for generations.

"Standing with these families today is a powerful reminder that behind every payment is a story of resilience, perseverance and hope. We remain committed to ensuring every eligible beneficiary receives what they are entitled to, so this long chapter in our nation's industrial history can finally be brought to a dignified close," he said.

The compensation programme forms part of the Government's commitment to resolving one of Fiji's most significant industrial disputes and ensuring former workers and their families receive the recognition and support they have waited decades to receive.

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