Samoa First Union (SFU) is expanding its successful UnionAID-funded Workers Advice Centre to provide essential employment support and rights education for workers across Samoa.
The challenge
Many Samoan workers, especially in the private sector, lack knowledge about their basic employment rights, including entitlements to redundancy, National Provident Fund, and minimum wage provisions. Workers in tourism, retail, and seasonal work face ongoing workplace challenges and need reliable information and support to protect their rights.
Building worker knowledge and power
The Workers Advice Centre provides:
- One-on-one advice clinics for employment relations issues
- Monthly workshops on workers’ rights
- Specialised support for seafarers and their families
- Pre-departure and return guidance for seasonal workers
- Advocacy on workplace policy issues
- Support for addressing National Provident Fund irregularities
Why this matters
As the only voice for private sector workers in Samoa, SFU’s Workers Advice Centre fills a crucial gap in employment support services. The centre’s first year demonstrated significant demand for workplace rights education and advocacy, particularly from tourism, retail, and seasonal workers.
The project
Building on its successful pilot, the Workers Advice Centre will:
- Expand advice services across Upolu and Savaii
- Strengthen support for seafarers and seasonal workers
- Partner with government agencies to address systemic issues
- Help workers understand and exercise their rights
- Support families of workers employed overseas
- Provide targeted assistance for women workers
