The Ministry of Employment Productivity and Workplace Relations is pleased to announce significant progress in the final phase of compensation payments for workers and dependents affected by the historic Vatukoula strike.
This second payout will rollout on the week of 18 August 2025 according to Permanent Secretary, Mr Maritino Nemani.
This landmark settlement addresses what was the longest unresolved industrial relations dispute on the International Labour Organisation record for over 33 years, which the Coalition Government led by the Honourable Prime Minister Sitiveni L. Rabuka successfully resolved in September 2024.
Following the successful first payout, the Ministry confirms that 182 workers and dependents will now receive their second and final compensation payment of $15,000.
A total of 190 workers and their dependents received their first compensation payment of $10,000 in the previous financial year. This included 164 confirmed living recipients as well as 18 dependents of deceased workers. Sadly, since the initial disbursement, eight members have passed away after receiving their first payment.
For the second payout, a total of 164 living recipients will each receive their final payment of $15,000, alongside 18 confirmed dependents who will also be receiving the same amount. The eight members who have recently passed away will be excluded from this disbursement until their families complete the required probate process. Once probate has been executed, their payments will be duly made to the rightful beneficiaries.
The Ministry acknowledges that several probate applications are currently being processed and remains committed to expediting these payments once legal requirements are fulfilled.
"We strongly encourage families who have not yet lodged probate applications to do so immediately to avoid further delays in receiving their payments, stated Permanent Secretary Nemani.
Mr Nemani said, this second and final payment marks the completion of the Coalition Government's commitment to supporting those impacted by this historic industrial dispute.
The Ministry has ensured this process is conducted with fairness, transparency, and urgency throughout. The resolution of this 33-year dispute demonstrates the Coalition Government's dedication to addressing this long-standing workplace relations issues and ensuring justice for affected workers and their families.