The 2026 sugar crushing season is set to begin without major industrial disruptions after the National Union of Workers and the Fiji Sugar Corporation reached an agreement on key employment issues.

The breakthrough followed talks facilitated by the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, where both sides resolved outstanding matters relating to roster backpay, the Collective Agreement and work rosters for the upcoming crushing season.

Under the agreement, calculations for workers’ roster backpay will be finalised before a Memorandum of Agreement is signed on 9 July. A separate Collective Agreement covering Tradesmen, Clerks and General Employees is scheduled to be signed on 28 July.

The parties also agreed on roster arrangements for the 2026 crushing season, with the new schedules taking immediate effect.

Minister for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations, Agni Deo Singh, welcomed the agreement, describing it as a positive example of how constructive dialogue can resolve workplace disputes.

He also acknowledged the cooperation shown by both the National Union of Workers and the Fiji Sugar Corporation throughout the negotiations.

The union, in turn, thanked the Minister for his timely intervention and expressed appreciation to FSC management for its willingness to engage in discussions.

Unionised employees across the country’s three sugar mills are expected to report for duty under the agreed rosters from midnight tonight.