Fiji Teachers Union Demands Urgent Overhaul of School Safety Policies

The Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) has called for an urgent revamp of school safety policies aimed at safeguarding teachers, students, visitors, and volunteers. General Secretary Muniappa Gounder raised these concerns during his recent presentation to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Economic Affairs regarding the proposed WorkCare Bill. He pointed out that existing safety measures are insufficient, particularly concerning injury prevention and compensation.

Gounder emphasized the frequency of student injuries and identified the lack of adequate systems to manage serious accidents occurring on school premises. He is advocating for the formulation of a comprehensive safety code that covers all school-related injuries and seeks to enhance the injury compensation framework. He asserted the need for mandatory training on work care and accident compensation rights not just for teachers but also for school heads and management, who are crucial in overseeing school infrastructure.

In conjunction with the concerns raised regarding safety, Gounder has reiterated his call for improved funding from the government to support these protection initiatives. The aim is to ensure that those who are injured receive the proper care and compensation necessary.

This request for enhanced safety protocols echoes earlier calls from the FTU, where Gounder previously highlighted the deteriorating conditions and increasing violence faced by teachers in schools, stressing the urgency of establishing a Teacher Protection Policy. Similar discussions have pointed to the need for robust conflict resolution and behavior management training for both educators and students to foster a safe learning environment.

Overall, these initiatives signify a collective effort towards creating a safer educational landscape in Fiji, focusing on mutual respect and support within school communities. There is hope that through collaborative action between the government, educational authorities, and community leaders, sustained improvements in both teacher safety and student well-being can be realized, ultimately enhancing the quality of education across the nation.