After 33 years of knocking on the government's door, justice has been served for 368 former and current mine workers at the Vatukoula Gold Mine after the Fiji Mine Workers Union signed the final agreement on the Vatukoula strike payout.
The agreement was presented to the Union by the Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Agni Deo Singh.
At the signing, the Minister shared that the strike devastated the lives of many miners, however, under this agreement, each miner will receive $10,000 as compensation by August this year and an additional payment of $15,000 reserved for next year.
Fiji Mine Workers Union President Joseva Sadreau thanked the coalition government with a heavy heart, sharing the turmoil of the 368 miners over the three decades. Sadreu thanked the coalition government for coming down for the signing because at least they are getting something from nothing.
He also acknowledges the Almighty and says that never mind if people are going to say the amount is this, but it's already signed.
He acknowledged the management, and the current government for doing this.
Among the 368 miners, 183 have deceased, while 185 remain.
The Employment Minister shared that for the deceased members, the Ministry will identify their families for the payment handout.
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