Fiji Water workers receive redundant payout packages

Workers of Fiji Water, who were made redundant in 2011, have received their Bonus Payment, which was payable to them before their redundancy.
Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Mr Jone Usamate confirmed this.
He said about 85 workers from the villages of Rabulu, Drauniivi, Togavere and other surrounding villagers received their payments last year in December and in January this year amounting to about $40,900.00.
The issue was brought to the Minister’s attention by the workers during one of the Minister’s Road Shows held last year.
Consequently, investigations were carried out by the Ministry’s Complaints Resolution Team (CRT), and with continuous networking and cooperation from the Fiji Water management, the team was able to facilitate the workers’ bonus payment.
“The CRT was formed primarily to focus on speedy resolution of all employment related cases referred by the Minister and PS for Labour and other senior government officials,” Mr Usamate said.
“So far the CRT has managed to resolve 80 per cent of the cases received during the Road Shows, and it is our intention that the pending cases be settled by next month.”
The Minister thanked the Fiji Water and its management for honouring their commitment towards the workers and closely collaborating with the Ministry for the successful resolution of the cases.  The Minister was thankful that the company was willing to do the right thing for those who had worked for it in the past, which sets a good example for other employers in Fiji.
“Fiji needs employers who care for their workers, and even for those who have worked for them in the past, to ensure that they are not deprived of what is rightfully theirs.  I am thankful that we have been able to work together with Fiji Water to assist these workers. I only wish more employers would show the same kind of concern for social justice shown by the Fiji Water.
My Ministry’s role is to ensure social justice, and in this case, with the full co-operation of their employer we have been able to do that. Thank you Fiji Water,” the Minister said.
Workers who received their outstanding payments were delighted and expressed their deepest appreciation towards the government and the Fiji Water for the quick response on the settlement of their cases since its lodgment last year.
A worker Mrs Loasana Turagabeci who was made redundant was elated to receive her payment and thanked the Ministry of Labour and the company for the timely response.
“I would like to thank the Ministry of Labour and the management of the company for the payment. We were able to do our Christmas shopping and purchase items that we really needed,” Mr Turagabeci said.
- MINFO NEWS