Union president denounces false claims

The president of the Vatukoula Gold Mine Workers Union, Joseva Sadreu has called for an end to the spread of misinformation regarding the eviction of union members still residing on the land in Vatukoula.

"This is not true because the negotiation is still ongoing with the government," Mr Sadreu confirmed.

"If people are unaware of the details, they should refrain from commenting.

"Such allegations are very risky.

"There is an agreement in place.

"Once finalised, only those who wish to return to their villages will do so, with Government support."

Mr Sadreu acknowledged the tense relationship between the union and landowners since the strike began in 1991.

"We are still here because of the first court case on March 25, 1991, where Honourable Michael Saunders ruled on a dispute between the company and the workers, stating it was valid," he said

"We were told to reside on the land until everything is resolved.

"Thus, the strikers have stayed in company houses with electricity and water supplied to them. He reiterated the agreement only covered compensation, not the residential aspect.

"The workers will receive their payout on August l," he said.

Vatukoula Gold Mines Limited manager of corporate services, Dinny Laufenboeck, told this publication:

"I don't have any knowledge of that. We have not been advised."

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