More former Vatukoula mine workers and their families have received their long-awaited compensation as the government continues efforts to deliver justice and closure to those affected by the country's longest-running industrial dispute.
The government says the compensation programme, backed by a $9.2 million allocation, recognises the sacrifices made by workers and their families following the industrial dispute that began on 27th February 1991 and lasted more than 33 years.
Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Jone Maritino Nemani, handed over a further 13 compensation payments to former mine workers and their beneficiaries last week.
Seven beneficiaries received their payments, while the remaining six will have theirs processed in the new financial year.
The government says that, to date, $7.485 million has been paid to 298 beneficiaries, each receiving their full entitlement of $25,000.
It says five beneficiaries received an initial payment of $10,000 before passing away, with the remaining $15,000 to be paid to their estates once probate processes are completed.
The government says a further $1.515 million remains to be paid to 63 beneficiaries, including those awaiting full payments and estates pending probate.
Nemani says the programme is about more than financial assistance; it is about recognising the resilience of former workers and ensuring their families finally receive the acknowledgement and support they have waited decades for.
He says each payment reflects the government's commitment to working with affected families to bring this long chapter in Fiji's industrial history to a respectful and dignified close.
