The Fijian Teachers Association has demanded that the Government respond to their request for a 30 percent salary increase by the end of September. If their demands are not met, the association plans to conduct a secret ballot to decide on potential strike action.
During an annual general meeting held on Tuesday, members unanimously agreed to continue negotiations with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education, and the Civil Service Ministry for improved compensation. FTA general secretary Paula Manumanunitoga stated that their goal is to secure the 30 percent increase that they have been advocating for.
He mentioned that the Government has proposed a phased pay increase: a 10 percent raise this year, another 10 percent next year, and the final 10 percent in 2026. However, Mr. Manumanunitoga noted that there is significant support among members for the strike option, and the association has met all necessary requirements to proceed with the secret ballot.
Additionally, he expressed concerns about perceived double standards, pointing out that while the nurses’ association and the USP Staff Association were granted secret ballots, the FTA was not. Inquiries sent to Education Minister Aseri Radrodro, Permanent Secretary Selina Kuruleca, and Acting Permanent Secretary for Employment and Industrial Relations Atish Kumar have not yet received a response.