The Fiji Public Service Association (FPSA) is calling on the Government to introduce emergency financial assistance, food vouchers and utility bill concessions to protect workers and vulnerable families from the worsening El Niño-induced drought.
FPSA Secretary General Judith Kotobalavu said prolonged dry conditions were placing increasing financial pressure on workers and their families through water shortages, rising household expenses, potential food supply disruptions and electricity uncertainties.
Ms Kotobalavu said the Government’s response must go beyond emergency water deliveries and agricultural assistance.
“Government’s response to El Niño must recognise that climate-related disasters are not merely environmental issues; they are also economic, social and labour issues,” she said.
“Workers must not be left to bear the financial burden of the crisis alone.”
The Association has proposed a dedicated El Niño Worker Relief and Protection Package, including one-off targeted payments for low-income workers and vulnerable households.
It is also calling for water vouchers, tank subsidies, emergency water deliveries, food assistance and temporary electricity and water concessions for affected families.
Ms Kotobalavu said employment protection was equally important, with flexible working arrangements, remote work where possible and safeguards against penalties arising from genuine drought-related disruptions.
The Association also wants adequate drinking water, sanitation, shaded rest areas and appropriate breaks for frontline and outdoor workers.
Industry-specific assistance has also been proposed for workers in agriculture, sugar, tourism, manufacturing and other drought-affected sectors.
The FPSA acknowledged the Government’s ongoing response, including the deployment of 67 water carting trucks, emergency water deliveries and six agricultural assistance initiatives announced by the Ministry of Agriculture.
However, it maintained that more targeted measures were needed to address the direct economic and employment impacts on workers.
Ms Kotobalavu also stressed the importance of protecting public service workers maintaining essential services during the crisis.
She called for adequate workplace facilities, safe drinking water, protective measures and operational resources, alongside consultation with public service unions on appropriate contingency arrangements.
The FPSA has further proposed a coordinated national response involving Government, employers and trade unions to monitor the drought’s impact on workers’ incomes, employment, workplace conditions and household welfare.
“Government must invest in protecting the people who keep Fiji running by safeguarding workers’ livelihoods, health and safety, decent living standards and the welfare of their families,” the Association said.
