A total of 128 seasonal workers from the Rarawai Mill have been sent home by the Fiji Sugar Corporation following the end of the crushing season.
Sugar Industry Permanent Secretary Dr Vinesh Kumar confirmed this to fijivillage News after the Fiji Labour Party raised concerns that workers should not be penalised for the negligence by the FSC.
Dr Kumar says this is a temporary relief, and the workers will be recalled once the crushing season resumes and the mill starts operating again.
He says the FSC has been working closely with the union representatives under a collective agreement that was signed between both parties.
According to the FSC, discussions have been held with the union, and they are in agreement with the arrangement regarding the temporary release of workers.
Meanwhile, Labour Party Leader Mahendra Chaudhry says both the government and the FSC are now honour-bound to retain all workers at the Rarawai Mill or pay them compensation wages until they can be re-employed when the mill resumes operations in early December, as announced.
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