Second and final compensation payout confirmed for Vatukoula workers

The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations has announced the second and final phase of compensation payments for workers and dependents affected by the historic Vatukoula strike.

Permanent Secretary Mr Maritino Nemani confirmed the payout will roll out during the week of 18 August 2025.

This landmark settlement resolves what was the longest unresolved industrial dispute on the International Labour Organisation record, spanning over 33 years.

The Coalition Government, led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, successfully addressed the issue in September 2024.

Following the first payout, 182 workers and dependents were set to receive their second and final compensation of $15,000 each.

In the previous financial year, a total of 190 workers and dependents received the first compensation payment of $10,000, including 164 living recipients and 18 dependents of deceased workers.

Since that disbursement, eight recipients have sadly passed away.

For the second payout, 164 living recipients will each receive $15,000, along with 18 confirmed dependents.

Payments for the eight recently deceased members will be made to their families once probate processes are completed.

The Ministry is actively processing probate applications to ensure these payments are expedited.

"We strongly encourage families who have not yet lodged probate applications to do so immediately to avoid further delays in receiving their payments," Mr Nemani said.

He added that this second and final payment marks the completion of the Coalition Government’s commitment to supporting those affected by this historic dispute.

The Ministry emphasized that the process has been conducted with fairness, transparency, and urgency, highlighting the government’s dedication to resolving a 33-year workplace relations issue and ensuring justice for affected workers and their families.