In partnership with the Fiji Trades Union Congress (FTUC) and National Workers Union of Fiji, UnionAID is supporting a vital project to organise and improve conditions for garment workers in the Nadi-Lautoka region.
Chip in to support this project
The challenge
Fiji’s garment industry employs thousands of workers, predominantly women, in challenging conditions with low wages. While the sector has rebounded from earlier declines, union representation remains extremely low, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation. At Danam Fiji Ltd, which produces clothing for major brands like RM Williams and Rodd & Gunn, approximately 1,400 workers currently lack collective representation.
Taking collective action
This project aims to improve wages and conditions through strategic organising and collective bargaining. Working directly with garment workers, FTUC will:
- Build worker awareness of their rights through targeted education programs
- Support workers to join unions and take collective action
- Negotiate collective agreements to secure better pay and conditions
- Provide representation in employment disputes
- Run media campaigns highlighting worker issues and victories
Why this matters
Strong unions are essential for ensuring decent work. When garment workers can bargain collectively, they can transform precarious jobs into sustainable livelihoods that support families and communities. This project specifically focuses on empowering women workers, young people, and workers from migrant and LGBTQI+ communities to take leadership roles.
The partnership approach
UnionAID is working closely with FTUC, drawing on their 70+ years of experience fighting for workers’ rights in Fiji. The project brings together key stakeholders including the Ministry of Employment, ILO and the National Union of Workers to create lasting change in the garment sector.
