Teachers threaten strike during National Exams

Teachers are threatening to strike in the middle of external examinations, including Year Eight, Year 13, and Year 12 exams, unless their pay demands are met. 
This year, Year 13 exams run from October 27 to November 6 and Year 12 exams are scheduled November 11 to November 21. Year Eight exams are from October 6 to 9. 
The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) and Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) warn that their next move could be a full-blown strike during that sensitive exam window. 
FTA president Paula Manumanunitoga said teachers had been neglected far too long. 
“We will go step by step. If the government still doesn’t listen, we may have to strike during external exams. It will affect our children, but it will be effective,” he said. 
He emphasised that teachers spend more hours in classrooms than at home, yet remain undervalued. 
“We’ve suggested many options. A 30 per cent pay rise was one. All have fallen on deaf ears,” he said. 
Last year, Education Minister Aseri Radrodro promised to prioritise teachers’ salary concerns and said consultations were ongoing with the Ministry of Civil Service and Finance. 
But teachers remain unconvinced. The recent three per cent pay increase for civil servants is seen as nowhere near enough. 
FTU general secretary Muniappa Goundar accused Government of failing to deliver on its promises. 
“He keeps saying education takes the biggest share of the budget. But it never filters down to teachers,” he said. 
The unions say unless Government responds swiftly and substantially, industrial action during exams is inevitable.