Fiji miners' strike on SBS

Fiji miners' strike on SBS

SBS television is to screen Na Ma'e! Na Ma'e! (We Stand Until We Die!), a graphic documentary about the continuing strike at the Fijian gold mining town of Vatukoula, on Sunday, November 22, at 4 p.m.

The bitter strike began in February 1991 after the Australian-owned Emperor Gold Mines Limited refused to recognise the Fiji Mine Workers Union's right to negotiate on behalf of its members. Union members were victimised, and 420 of the 700 striking miners were sacked.

Na Ma'e! Na Ma'e! is a disturbing story of exploitation in Fiji by Australian capital. Mining began in Vatukoula in the 1930s. The documentary gives voice to the people who have produced massive wealth for the mine's foreign owners yet have enjoyed few material benefits.

The documentary has been selected as Fiji's entrant in the prestigious Hawaii International Film Festival. It is to be shown in a Canadian film festival next year. It is also likely to be included in the Manila Human Rights Film Festival, which is sponsored by Amnesty International.

Copies of Na Ma'e! Na Ma'e! can also be purchased for $50 plus $5 postage from FINS, PO Box 78, Balmain NSW 2041 .

From GLW issue 80