Two more factories close
Proposed changes to labour laws were also highlighted, with many describing them as the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Thursday 23 January 2025 | 15:54
Two more factories in the country have closed, leaving more than 100 workers unemployed.
The development comes a week after industry heavyweight Mike Towler announced the relocation of his manufacturing and export business from Fiji to China due to rising freight costs and the increasing cost of doing business.
Proposed changes to labour laws were also highlighted, with many describing them as the straw that broke the camel’s back.
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Performance Flotation Developments (Fiji) Ltd - owned and operated by Mr Towler - ends its 33 years of business in Fiji in March.
“They (workers) have been told the truth,” Mr Towler said.
“All will receive redundancy pay and reference letters.”
Vonu Apparel Limited, Nadi, closed shop last December, while Nagsun Apparel closed its Ba operation.
Vonu Apparel Limited owner and director Edward Leaney did not wish to comment when contacted in Australia, although the company was mentioned in court documents that reveal an application made in 2018 for a long-term work permit in Fiji.
Nagsun’s Ba operation also sent home 80 workers.
Textile, Clothing, and Footwear Council president Inbamalar Wanarajan warned yesterday of further collapse in the sector, where the number of jobs has dropped from 7000 to 4000 since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trade minister Manoa Kamikamica’s response was not ready when this edition went to print. He did not provide a comment when Performance Flotation Developments (Fiji) Ltd said it was sending home 120 workers in the next two months.
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