The Ministry of Sugar Industry has responded firmly to recent political allegations regarding the temporary layoff of seasonal workers at the Fiji Sugar Corporation’s (FSC) Rarawai Ba Mill, attributing the situation solely to a recent fire incident. According to the Ministry, no permanent job losses have occurred, and seasonal workers will be reinstated once the mill’s operations resume.
The Ministry stated, “Contrary to certain political statements, there has been no intention to lay off seasonal workers outside the usual seasonal cycle.” It clarified that the layoffs were directly related to a fire that caused significant disruption at the Rarawai Mill. Seasonal workers are typically employed only during the crushing period and are released when that period ends, a practice standard among all mills, it noted.
In light of the ongoing situation, the Ministry praised FSC for maintaining seasonal workers for over a month longer than required, emphasizing that the company was within its rights to invoke a seven-day stand-down clause. “FSC has shown good faith by keeping workers engaged in essential tasks such as mill cleaning and maintenance,” the statement read.
All laid-off seasonal workers have received their leave entitlements to assist them during this downtime. The arrangements for temporary stand-downs involved consultations with relevant trade unions, which supported the decision. The Ministry firmly rejected the political exploitation of the issue, noting, “It is unfortunate that some individuals have made public statements without directly consulting workers or fully understanding operational challenges.”
The Rarawai Mill’s operations have been halted indefinitely following a fire that damaged essential infrastructure. Repairs are in progress, with a timeline for resuming crushing operations still pending technical assessments. The completion of these repairs is critical, as the mill’s historical challenges, including prior mechanical failures, underscore the need for improved safety and maintenance protocols within Fiji’s sugar industry.
Despite these setbacks, the collaboration among various stakeholders demonstrates a collective commitment to restoring operations and supporting the livelihoods of those dependent on sugar production. With ongoing efforts to address operational challenges, there is cautious optimism that FSC will successfully navigate this period of disruption, ultimately contributing to a more resilient future for Fiji’s sugar sector and the communities it serves.