The Textile Clothing & Footwear Industry Council of Fiji recently sought government intervention as some garment units have temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has urged the government to arrange with the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) the same deal announced for workers in the hospitality sector who have lost their jobs or have had their hours cut.

The minister for economy and attorney general Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum had announced recently that Fijian workers in the hospitality sector who have lost their jobs or have had their hours cut since February 1 can access an initial $1,000 from their FNPF accounts, with additional funds to be considered as the situation unfolds further, according to a report in a Fijian newspaper.

The council directly employs 7,000 Fijians and 80 per cent of the employees are women.

Garment factories that have closed recently include Lyndhurst Ltd, Danam Fiji Limited and Nagsun Apparel, while Intimate Apparel Ltd in Vatuwaqa will operate for another month.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (DS)

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