A total of seven (7) returning seasonal workers of a group of nine (9) workers have been re-engaged for the fourth time under the New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Work Scheme.
The Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Mr. Osea Cawaru while closing the Pre-Departure Orientation (PDO) yesterday thanked the returning workers for their dedication, commitment and hard work.
“On behalf of the Government, I wish to congratulate you and also express my sincere gratitude towards the sacrifices made, good attitude shown and for setting clear goals,” said Cawaru.
“This re-engagement has convinced your seasonal work employer to re-engage you for the fourth time. Also it has resulted in providing employment opportunity for two (2) additional new group members from your province who will be deployed for the first time.”
Mr. Cawaru urged the group to continue to do their best and open more doors for other potential seasonal workers in their province as well as other 14 provinces in Fiji.
He also encouraged the group to save more money and invest for their family members and community here in Fiji, which will also contribute to the growth of the Fijian economy.
The group will be employed with RSE Heywoods Orchard Limited in New Zealand for the duration of a seven month contract period engaging in planting, maintaining, harvesting and crop packing.
The Permanent Secretary for Employment added that with the current pandemic COVID-19 in overseas countries especially Australia and New Zealand, the PDO training package has been revised and our workers are being trained and made aware of the virus.
He further added that the Fijian Government through the Employment Ministry is being and will continue to work closely with both the Australia Pacific Labour Scheme (PLS) and the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) in ensuring that the health and safety of our workers are not affected.