The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) has set a deadline for the Government to respond to their demand for a 30 percent salary increase by the end of September. If the Government fails to meet their request, the FTA plans to move forward with a secret ballot to authorize strike action.
During their recent annual general meeting, members of the FTA reached a consensus to continue negotiations with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education, and the Civil Service Ministry to secure better pay. FTA General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga emphasized that the call for a 30 percent increase was unanimously supported by members.
The Government has proposed a staggered agreement, offering a 10 percent increase for this year, followed by another 10 percent in the next year, and an additional 10 percent in 2026. However, Manumanunitoga indicated that a majority of the association’s members are in favor of proceeding with strike action, and they have completed all necessary preparations for the secret ballot.
He also raised concerns about perceived inconsistencies, noting that while the nurses association and the USP Staff Association were granted permission for a secret ballot, similar requests from the FTA were denied.
Inquiries made to Education Minister Aseri Radrodro, Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca, and Acting Permanent Secretary for Employment and Industrial Relations Atish Kumar have not been responded to.