Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited Clarifies Claims Regarding 2013 Waivunu Site Redundancies
PRESS RELEASE: SUVA, FIJI – November 7, 2025 – Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited (FHCL) has issued a statement to clarify recent claims made by former employee Mr. Alipate Namalo regarding the 2013 redundancies at the Waivunu Sawmill in Galoa, Serua.
On November 1, 2025, Mr. Namalo used social media platforms to allege that 108 employees, including himself. were unlawfully terminated in 2013. FHCL wishes to assure the public and its stakeholders of the factual circumstances surrounding the event.
FHCL Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Semi Dianibaka, clarified that the decision to make 108 employees redundant, including Mr. Namalo, was made by the government of the day in 2013.
“The redundancy decision did not originate from the company’s management but was a directive from the government at that time,” Mr. Dranibaka said. He added that FHCL was then under severe financial distress and drowning in debt, which led to the closure of the Waivunu sawmill as it was operating at a loss.
Mr. Dranibaka explained that the redundancies were formally communicated to staff through an official letter dated 21 June 2013, signed by the then Chairperson/Permanent Secretary for Public Enterprises, the Director/Acting Solicitor General, the Director/Permanent Secretary for Industry and Trade, and the Director/Permanent Secretary for Fisheries and Forests.
The letter stated:
“Following our review of the recently completed plans for the restructure of Fiji Hardwood Corporation Limited, all employees of FHCL at Waivunu Sawmill are hereby advised that effective midnight 21 June 2013, the Waivunu Sawmill and operations are closed permanently and your positions are being made redundant.
The Waivunu Sawmill property will soon be listed for sale by tender. The successful purchaser of the property will be encouraged to reemploy the most valued performers of the Waivunu Sawmill team. Should the new buyer require it, FHCL will provide employee records for the purpose of rehiring employees.
Redundancy and other payments will be made to each qualified employee as follows:
- Paid leave of 30 days in lieu of notices
- Redundancy pays of one weeks wages foreach complete year of service
- Any and all outstanding annual leave and long service leave.”
Mr. Dranibaka also confirmed that. based on all available records, there are no outstanding payments owed to the 108 employees. All entitlements, including accumulated leave, were fully settled by the management in place at that time.
In conclusion, Mr. Dranibaka reaffirmed FHCLs commitment to compliance and accountability. He noted that the Corporation stands ready to cooperate with any review or decision made by the current government regarding this historical matter.