SUGAR mill workers have raised serious concerns about how low cane production has affected their livelihoods.

Fiji Sugar and General Workers Union secretary-general Felix Anthony said mill workers who were members of the union had highlighted their concerns during the organisation’s annual delegates meeting in Lautoka on Saturday.

“Shorter crushing seasons means they’re out of employment for longer periods of time each year,” Mr Anthony said.

“Previously, the slack seasons used to run anywhere from four to six months a year and in many cases, this was even shorter because of maintenance work that was undertaken by FSC.

“Now our slack season runs anywhere from six to eight months a year and in smaller mills like Penang, it could be even longer.

“So we are concerned about it and we believe some attention needs to be paid by Government and FSC towards the workers in the sugar industry who do not have any source of income during the time they are laid off when crushing ends each season.”

Fiji Sugar Corporation executive chairman Abdul Khan said he would look at how the corporation could assist mill workers around the country during the crushing off-season.

“We will consider anything as long as it’s of value to FSC and for the workers,” Mr Khan said.

“It’s just unfortunate that some of the work needed during the off-season requires workers who are specialised in certain parts of the industry, like welding for example.

“Obviously, we have to bring in people specialised in these areas to conduct this type of work.”