Second and Final Compensation Payout Confirmed for Vatukoula Workers – PS Maritino Nemani

The Ministry of Employment Productivity and Workplace Relations is pleased to announce significant progress in the final phase of compensation payments for workers and dependents affected by the historic Vatukoula strike.

This second payout will roll out on the week of 18 August 2025, according to Permanent Secretary Mr Maritino Nemani.

This landmark settlement addresses what was the longest unresolved industrial relations dispute on the International Labour Organisation record for over 33 years, which the Coalition Government led by the Honourable Prime Minister Sitiveni L. Rabuka successfully resolved in September 2024.

Following the successful first payout, the Ministry confirms that 182 workers and dependents will now receive their second and final compensation payment of $15,000.

First Payout:

190 workers and dependents received their initial compensation payment of $10,000 in the previous financial year.

This included 164 confirmed living recipients and 18 dependents of deceased workers. Sadly, 8 members have since passed away after receiving their first payment.

Second Payout Recipients:

164 living recipients will receive the final $15,000 payment.

18 confirmed dependents will receive the final $15,000 payment.

The 8 recently deceased members will be excluded from this payment while their families complete the required probate process. However, their payments will be made once their probate has been executed.

The Ministry acknowledges that several probate applications are currently being processed and remains committed to expediting these payments once legal requirements are fulfilled.

"We strongly encourage families who have not yet lodged probate applications to do so immediately to avoid further delays in receiving their payments," stated Permanent Secretary Nemani.

Mr Nemani stated that the second and final payment marks the completion of the Coalition.

The government's commitment to supporting those impacted by this historic industrial dispute. The Ministry has ensured this process is conducted with fairness, transparency, and urgency throughout.

The resolution of this 33-year dispute demonstrates the Coalition Government's dedication to addressing these long-standing workplace relations issues and ensuring justice for affected workers and their families.