Teachers who recently upgraded their qualifications are expressing frustration over delays in salary increases promised by the Ministry of Education. Several teachers have reported that they have not yet received the salary upgrades that were to be granted to those who achieved higher qualifications.
One anonymous teacher from the Western Division, who has been teaching at the secondary level for over 20 years, noted that she had personally financed her degree. Although she graduated in April, her salary remains at $22,000 a year, despite expectations that it would rise to $28,000 following her graduation.
Another teacher who graduated last year also stated that she is still waiting for her salary upgrade. “New graduates entering the profession are starting with $28,000, while those of us with over two decades of experience are still waiting for an increase after advancing our qualifications,” she lamented.
The general secretary of the Fiji Teachers Union (FTU), Muniappa Goundar, emphasized their ongoing efforts to advocate for fair payment for approximately 200 teachers who have completed their studies but are still classified under the lower Band D. Goundar revealed that despite previous assurances prior to the 2024/25 National Budget, there has been no financial allocation for these essential salary upgrades in the current fiscal year.
Investigations indicate that the finance team of the Ministry of Education failed to submit the necessary funding request to the Ministry of Finance, resulting in a financial crisis for dedicated teachers who have pursued professional development.
Additionally, there are reports of teachers who returned after resigning and migrating. These individuals are currently on probation for six months but remain unfairly classified under Band D instead of being placed in Band F after completing their probationary period.
This delay is causing significant financial strain for these teachers and their families, who depend on fair remuneration to cover their living costs. The FTU is urging the ministry to allocate the required funds promptly to address these issues. They argue that teachers who continue to enhance their qualifications, as well as those returning to serve, deserve timely and fair compensation for their dedication and expertise. Delays in these payments not only harm teacher morale but also put the quality of education in jeopardy.
The FTU is appealing to the ministry to prioritize the well-being of teachers and their families by taking immediate steps to secure the funds necessary for overdue salary adjustments. “Our teachers deserve prompt and fair treatment in recognition of their invaluable contributions to education in Fiji,” Goundar concluded. No comment was received from the ministry before this edition went to print.