Teachers Wait in Vain for Salary Upgrade

Teachers who have recently upgraded their qualifications have raised their dissatisfaction at the delay in their salary upgrade by the Ministry of Education.

This masthead spoke to a few teachers who claimed that they were yet to receive the pay upgrade promised to those who would update their qualifications.

A teacher in the Western Division, who spoke on the basis of anonymity, has been a secondary school teacher for more than 20 years paid for her own studies to get a degree.

She graduated in April, but until today, she was still receiving a $22,000 annual salary. Her salary was supposed to be upgraded to $28,000 after her graduation.

Another teacher who graduated with her degree last year, said she was still waiting for the upgrade.

“New graduates who are joining the profession are starting with $28,000. We have been teaching for the past 20-plus years and have not received an increase after upgrading our qualification,” the disgruntled teacher said.

Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) general secretary Muniappa Goundar said they had been tirelessly advocating for the rightful payment for graduate salaries owed to about 200 teachers who had completed their studies, but remained on Band D.

“Despite assurances made prior to the 2024/25 National Budget, it has come to the union’s attention that no allocation has been made for this crucial expenditure in the current financial year,” Mr Goundar said.

“Upon investigation, it has been revealed that the finance team of the Ministry of Education failed to submit the necessary request to the Ministry of Finance, despite this being a recurring and essential expenditure. This oversight has left many dedicated teachers in a precarious financial situation, despite their commitment to professional development and upgrading.

“Furthermore, we have received reports from teachers who, after resigning and migrating, have returned and have been re-employed by the ministry.

“These teachers are currently on probation for six months, during which time they are unfairly placed on Band D instead of their rightful placement on Band F upon completion of probation.

This delay is causing undue hardship for these teachers and their families, who rely on appropriate remuneration to meet their living expenses.

“The FTU urges the ministry to urgently allocate the necessary funds from within the budget to rectify these injustices. Teachers who have diligently pursued further education and those returning to serve the nation deserve timely and fair compensation for their skills and dedication. Delaying these payments not only undermines their morale but also jeopardises the quality of education provided in our schools.”

The FTU is calling on the ministry to prioritise the welfare of teachers and their families by taking immediate action to secure the funds required for these overdue payments.

“Our teachers deserve nothing less than prompt and equitable treatment in recognition of their invaluable contributions to education in Fiji.”

No comments could be obtained from the ministry when this edition went to press.

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