In 1992, the Yasawa Council of Chiefs made a significant move to protect local labor rights by deciding to prohibit Blue Lagoon Cruises Limited from docking at the Yasawa islands until the company acknowledged the existence of the Blue Lagoon Employment Union. During a meeting held at Rogorogoivuda House in Lautoka, the chiefs laid out several demands, including the reinstatement of striking crew members without any repercussions and compensation for the time lost due to the strike. They argued that the current annual landing fee of $25,000 was grossly inadequate and proposed an increase to $250,000 to better reflect the value generated from the region’s tourism.
The Yasawa Council, which includes prominent figures such as Ratu Vuki Belo Rauga, Tui Naviti Senator, and other influential chiefs, formally presented these demands to Blue Lagoon’s general manager, Barry Ingham. The council stressed the necessity of taking concrete steps to support local workers affected by the ongoing disputes.
Although the Ministry of Employment and Industrial Relations deemed the strike illegal and denied the union’s request for mandatory recognition, the public support from the chiefs signaled a wider concern regarding labor rights and the treatment of workers within Fiji’s tourism industry. Senator Ratu Vuki expressed the chiefs’ apprehensions about how local workers were treated and highlighted their interests as landowners in Blue Lagoon’s operations.
Blue Lagoon Cruises reported a substantial profit of $1.7 million the previous year, leading the chiefs to argue that raising the landing fee was a minimal investment in preserving the natural beauty and cultural significance of the Yasawa area.
Ingham expressed his dissatisfaction with the union’s actions, claiming they had misled both the crew members and the local chiefs, which in turn affected access to several beaches in Yasawa. He asserted that Blue Lagoon respected the rights of former crew members but criticized the misleading narratives that he believed were undermining the company’s operations.
This historical event illustrates the ongoing complexities between tourism interests, local labor rights, and traditional leadership in Fiji. It underscores the critical importance of recognizing labor rights while also acknowledging the economic benefits that tourism brings to local communities. Through continued dialogue and negotiation, there is hope for finding a balance that supports both the economic vitality of the tourism sector and the well-being of the community in Fiji’s vibrant tourism landscape.