For the first time a Worker Advice Centre focussed primarily on private sector workers has been established in Apia by Samoa First Union (SFU). Research showed that these workers lacked knowledge about their employment rights; and factory closures and Covid led to many experiencing redundancy and job losses.
This UnionAID partnership project will target workers returning to work after Covid – especially in the tourism sector, Samoan seafarers, and pre-departure RSE workers. As the only voice for Samoan private sector workers, SFU has survived the pandemic with support from NZ unions, including FIRST Union, Rail and Maritime Union, and APHEDA in Australia. Established in 2015, SFU has already won an increase to the minimum wage.
