The Fijian Teachers Association has set a deadline of the end of September for the Government to respond to their demand for a 30 percent pay increase. Should their request go unaddressed, they plan to move forward with a secret ballot to initiate strike action.
FTA General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga stated that this decision was reached unanimously during their annual general meeting held on Tuesday. He emphasized the association’s commitment to continuing negotiations with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Education, and the Civil Service Ministry for improved compensation.
“We are insisting on a 30 percent increase that we have consistently advocated for to be granted to teachers. This was an agreement made by all members,” he noted. The Government has proposed to provide a 10 percent increase this year, another 10 percent next year, and a final 10 percent in 2026.
Manumanunitoga indicated that a significant number of members support the idea of strike action, and the association has fulfilled all necessary requirements to conduct the secret ballot. He expressed concerns about perceived inconsistencies, pointing out that while a secret ballot was authorized for the nurses’ association and the USP Staff Association, the FTA’s request was denied.
Inquiries directed to 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.