The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) has set a deadline of the end of September for the Government to respond to their request for a 30 percent salary increase. If their demands are not met, they are prepared to hold a secret ballot to initiate strike action.
FTA General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga announced that the decision was reached during an annual general meeting on Tuesday. He stated, “The annual general meeting passed a unanimous decision that we continue negotiations with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education, and the Civil Service Ministry for better pay. We are demanding the 30 percent increase that we have been advocating for to be granted to teachers.”
Manumanunitoga noted that the Government has proposed a different arrangement, suggesting an agreement for a 10 percent increase this year, another 10 percent next year, and the final 10 percent in 2026. However, he emphasized that the majority of FTA members support strike action, and they have fulfilled all necessary requirements for conducting the secret ballot.
Additionally, he pointed out what he perceives as a double standard, as the secret ballot was approved for the nurses’ association and the USP Staff Association but has been denied to the FTA.
Inquiries directed to several officials, including the Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro, Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca, and Acting Permanent Secretary for Employment and Industrial Relations Atish Kumar, have not yet received a response.