A historic 33-year labour deadlock is reaching its final chapters, with the Government injecting $7.5 million into the local economy through the Vatukoula gold mine strike settlement.
The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations has successfully paid out the bulk of the $9.025 million package committed under the settlement, leaving a final $1.525 million pool waiting to be claimed by 63 remaining families.
The ministry has revealed that 298 of the 361 eligible beneficiaries have been paid in full.
The outstanding 63 payments are pending the completion of estate documentation.
Of those, 58 beneficiaries are awaiting their full $25,000 entitlement, while five beneficiaries received an initial $10,000 before their deaths, with the remaining balance to be paid to their estates.
Ministry permanent secretary Jone Maritino Nemani said the remaining payments were delayed by estate administration requirements rather than any issue of eligibility.
“Every one of these 63 payments is approved and funded,” Mr Nemani said.
“What we need from families is the grant of probate or letters of administration so we can release the money to the right person.
“Ministry officers can explain what is required and there is no cost in asking.”
To support affected families, the ministry has already processed 132 payments to the estates of deceased workers and established a temporary Vatukoula Gold Mine (VGM) processing unit to assist with the required documentation.
“The ministry can advise on the required documentation and refer families to the Legal Aid Commission where appropriate.”
According to the ministry, the settlement resolves a trade dispute that began on February 27, 1991, and remained unresolved for 33 years before being delivered by the Coalition Government.
Families with outstanding entitlements are advised to contact senior legal officer Mere Conivavalagi on 8055414 or director LSS Dan Tagivakatini on 2761258.
