The Ministry of Sugar Industry has rebuffed recent political allegations concerning the temporary layoff of seasonal workers at the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s (FSC) Rarawai Ba Mill, explaining that the layoffs stem directly from a recent fire incident that disrupted operations. The Ministry has assured that no permanent job losses have occurred, and seasonal workers will be reinstated as soon as the mill resumes its operations.
In response to the political discourse, the Ministry clarified, “Contrary to certain political statements, there has been no intention to lay off seasonal workers outside the usual seasonal cycle.” It explained that the layoffs were a necessary action due to the fire that significantly affected the Rarawai Mill’s operations. Seasonal workers, who are typically employed only during the sugar crushing period, are let go once that period concludes—this process is standard across all mills in the region.
The Ministry expressed its appreciation for FSC’s decision to retain seasonal workers for over a month beyond their typical employment duration, commending the company for exercising its seven-day stand-down clause responsibly. “FSC has shown good faith by keeping workers engaged in essential tasks such as mill cleaning and maintenance,” the statement emphasized.
All workers affected by the temporary layoffs have been provided with their leave entitlements to support them during this interruption. The Ministry revealed that the arrangements for the stand-down were made after discussions with relevant trade unions, which endorsed the decision. Officials expressed concern over the political exploitation of the issue, remarking, “It is unfortunate that some individuals have made public statements without directly consulting workers or fully understanding operational challenges.”
Currently, the Rarawai Mill’s operations remain halted indefinitely due to the damage caused by the fire, with repairs underway. The timeline for resuming crushing operations is yet to be determined, pending technical assessments. Addressing these repairs is essential, given the mill’s historical operational difficulties, including previous mechanical failures that have highlighted the critical need for enhanced safety and maintenance protocols within Fiji’s sugar industry.
Despite these challenges, the cooperation among various stakeholders illustrates a shared commitment to restoring operations and ensuring the livelihoods of those reliant on sugar production. The ongoing efforts to overcome these operational setbacks generate a sense of cautious optimism that FSC will effectively manage this period of disruption, paving the way for a more resilient future for Fiji’s sugar sector and the communities it supports.