Fijian PALM workers risk wage cuts for not sending money home

Fijian workers in Australia who have not been sending money home may soon have direct wage deductions, according to Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh.
Mr Singh confirmed that Government teams visiting Australian worksites were carrying 129 consent forms for workers who have failed to remit funds.
Once signed, these forms will authorize weekly deductions from their wages to be transferred directly to beneficiaries in Fiji.

“We are hoping the consent forms will be signed so employees can have funds deducted weekly and remitted to their families,” Mr Singh said.

He said four Government teams, supported by the Fiji National Provident Fund, the Fijian Elections Office, and the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, were visiting 496 worksites to address worker welfare, financial obligations, and compliance with employment standards.

Discussions are also underway with the Australian High Commission to include such financial safeguards in pre-departure programmes to prevent similar issues in the future.

Concerns have been raised over alleged exploitation of Fijian workers under the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme.

Mr Singh acknowledged claims of “modern-day slavery” but said grievances are being addressed directly with employers and Australian authorities.

“The minimum standards must be met wherever our workers are. These apply equally to foreign workers as they do to Australian workers,” he said, noting that the Australian Department of Workplace Relations and the Australian Workers’ Union were involved in ensuring compliance.

Mr Singh will join the visiting teams in South Australia from October 8 to 16 to continue consultations and monitor working conditions.