Fiji labor reform: Ending exploitation through direct wages for island workers.

During this period in Fiji, islanders were sold for £15 per head, a practice that was part of the broader system of indentured labor common in many colonial territories. This practice was primarily driven by the need for cheap labor to support the agricultural economy, particularly in the sugar cane plantations. The laborers, often brought from various islands and regions, were subjected to harsh working conditions, low wages, and long hours. In response to the injustices and inefficiencies of the existing labor system, a proposal was put forward to institute a system of paying monthly cash wages directly to the workers. This proposal aimed to address issues such as wage theft, lack of worker autonomy, and the disempowerment that resulted from the sale and resale of workers. By providing direct wages, workers would have better control over their earnings and the opportunity to improve their standard of living. The proposed change was part of a broader movement towards labor reform and the promotion of fairer working conditions. It highlighted the growing awareness of workers' rights and the recognition of the need to abolish exploitative practices rooted in colonial economic systems. The shift towards direct wage payments was seen as a step towards modernizing the labor market and aligning it with emerging global labor standards. #FijiLaborHistory #ColonialEconomy #LaborReform #WorkerRights #MoofLife