Teachers who recently enhanced their qualifications are expressing frustration over the Ministry of Education’s delay in implementing their salary upgrades. Several educators reported that they have yet to receive the promised pay increases for those who complete further studies.
One teacher from the Western Division, who chose to remain anonymous, has been teaching at the secondary school level for over 20 years. She funded her own education to obtain a degree, which she earned in April. Despite this achievement, she continues to earn an annual salary of $22,000, even though it was supposed to be raised to $28,000 following her graduation.
Another educator who graduated last year also mentioned that they are still awaiting their salary adjustment. “New graduates entering the profession start at $28,000. We’ve dedicated over two decades to teaching without receiving an increase after upgrading our qualifications,” she remarked.
Muniappa Goundar, general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union (FTU), stated that the union has been actively advocating for the proper salary payments owed to approximately 200 teachers who have completed their studies but remain on Band D.
“Despite prior assurances concerning the 2024/25 National Budget, it has come to our attention that no allocation has been made for this critical expense in the current financial year,” Goundar said.
The investigation revealed that the Ministry of Education’s finance team neglected to submit the necessary request to the Ministry of Finance, which is detrimental to many committed educators who are financially strained despite their pursuit of professional development.
Additionally, reports have emerged of teachers returning to the ministry after resigning and migrating. These teachers are reportedly on probation for six months, during which they are inappropriately classified on Band D instead of their rightful Band F, which they would qualify for after completing their probation period.
This delay is creating significant hardships for these educators and their families, who depend on adequate salaries to meet their living costs. The FTU is urging the ministry to reallocate funds within the budget promptly to address these injustices.
Teachers who seek further education and those who return to serve the community deserve fair and timely compensation for their expertise and commitment. Delays in payment not only diminish morale but also threaten the overall quality of education in the nation.
The FTU is calling on the ministry to prioritize the welfare of teachers and their families, demanding immediate action to secure the necessary funds for these overdue payments.
“Our teachers deserve prompt and equitable recognition for their invaluable contributions to education in Fiji,” Goundar emphasized. No comments from the ministry were available by the time this report was published.