Mine Workers Secures $9.2 Million Settlement After 33-Year Battle

Fiji Mine Workers Union president Joseva Sadreu announced the end of a 33-year battle with a recent $9.2 million settlement for union members dating back to 1991.

He said they went through many governments, many prime ministers, several presidents, permanent secretaries, and labour ministers,

but nothing was done until now.

"The Coalition Government came down to our level to see the hardship faced by the Vatukoula Gold Mine workers," Mr Sadreu said.

"I will be meeting with the minister and the Permanent Secretary on July 4th to confirm everything officially.

"I want to thank the women whose husbands were union members but have passed away. They chose to continue with us on this journey.

"It brings tears when I see them at every meeting. Such a huge task has been achieved."

Mr Sadreu noted the overwhelming response from union members following the announcement by the Minister for Finance, BimanPrasad.

During his budgetary address, Mr Prasad revealed that the 368 striking mining workers would receive $25,000 each, with the first $10,000 paid from the 202-4-2025 National Budget and the remaining $15,000 from the 2025-2026 budget.

Professor Shaista Shameem, representing the Mine Workers Union, had referred the strike to the International Labour Organisationin Geneva and personally lodged a complaint shortly after her appointment.

Of the 368 families, 182 members had passed on while 186 were still alive.

Nunia Baleiwai, 56, shared how her husband's last words before his passing in 2013 inspired her to remain active in the union for 33 years.

"I faced many hardships. My husband worked at the mine, but when he passed away, I was never discouraged.

“His last words to me were that this would soon pass, and that motivated me. I attended every meeting, even when I didn’t have fare or a place to stay. It was not easy,” she said.

“Whenever I was called to eat, I wouldn’t eat anything. I’d sleep on an empty stomach with tears in my eyes, but my faith was never shaken. When this announcement was made, I could do nothing but bow my head and thank the Lord.”

Former Vatukoula Gold Mine worker Mesake Solikinebuka recalled the emotional struggles leading up to this day.

“After the strike, I took up cane cutting and then returned to the village.

“My eldest started tertiary education, found work, and we moved to Suva. It was really hard remembering all the hardships we faced.

“We sat as a family and cried. The government back then was not accepting.

“At times, we were chased by the police and forced into their vehicles like animals. When we first started negotiations, it was painful.

After today’s announcement, I took a moment to reflect on all the hardships.

“I want to thank the government for considering our hardships for 33 years.”

Mr. Solikinebuka’s wife, Ana Tuisavura, added, “I rang my husband, and he was very happy. He told me that we should give thanks to the Lord. I never doubted this journey.”

Mr. Sadreu expressed gratitude to FTUC General Secretary Felix Anthony for his support and collaboration with the government

in bringing closure to this major  injustice.

The Ministry of Employment will work with affected workers and the unions to execute the payout and final settlement.

Feedback: salote.qalubau@fijisun.com.fj