Silent Struggles: Fiji’s Teachers Demand Pay Raises Amid Crisis

As Fiji’s educators face financial struggles amid rising living costs, their frustrations are culminating in a form of silent protest, as reiterated by Paula Manumanunitoga, the General Secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association (FTA). Despite previous threats of strike action aimed at prompting salary discussions, teachers feel that their grievances have not received the required attention from the Government.

The FTA is demanding a 30 percent salary increase, having received only a 10 percent raise last year. Manumanunitoga expressed concern that, with the current Government’s term concluding, there is uncertainty around securing a favorable agreement for teachers. He also highlighted a concerning trend: many teachers are leaving Fiji for better opportunities overseas, leading to critical shortages, especially in primary education.

“We do not want to go on strike; we just want our voices to be heard,” said Manumanunitoga, criticizing the Government for prioritizing salary increases for parliamentarians while simultaneously denying teachers their due. To address this inequality, the FTA is resorting to passive resistance to underline their ongoing dissatisfaction with their payment situation.

Despite these challenges, there have been efforts from Education Minister Aseri Radrodro to support long-serving teachers, particularly those in rural areas, through increased allowances. This engagement, while positive, still highlights systemic issues, such as a lack of internet access that hinders teachers from pursuing further education and upgrading their qualifications.

While the negotiations are ongoing, there is a sense of hope that through continued dialogue and the teachers’ collective action, a more equitable resolution can be reached. Addressing teachers’ concerns is not only essential for their livelihood, but also crucial for the overall quality of education in Fiji.

This situation serves to remind us of the vital role teachers play in shaping future generations and highlights the need for fair compensation and support structures for educators, especially in light of the extraordinary demands they face.