Two teachers affected by the recent salary stoppage say the situation has left them struggling to meet basic family expenses, with one describing it as the first pay issue she has faced in nearly 20 years of teaching.
Mereseini Ravouvou Taukeinarara, a vocational teacher at Lomawai Secondary School in Nadroga, says she is among the 134 teachers affected by the salary issue.
Taukeinarara says her one-year contract expired on 2nd August this year, and this appears to be the issue affecting her pay.
She says her contract had also expired in the past, but her salary continued while the contract process was being dealt with.
Taukeinarara says she has been teaching since 2007 and this is the first time she has faced such a problem with her salary.
She says the situation is difficult because teachers depend on their salaries to support their families and pay for their everyday needs and other financial commitments.
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Meanwhile, Tawake Bonevasio, who is currently teaching at Namosi, says he was also among the teachers who did not receive their pay last week.
Bonevasio says the situation is frustrating as teachers need their salaries for transportation, groceries and other family responsibilities.
He says while people continue to point fingers over who is responsible for the issue, the affected teachers are the ones dealing with the financial consequences.
Bonevasio is calling on officials at the Ministry of Education and Government to look at the situation from a humanitarian perspective and put themselves in the shoes of teachers who have not been paid.
He says being left without a salary can create significant stress for teachers and their families.
He says 18 head teachers were among the 118 teachers affected and raises concerns about administrative processes involving the movement of head teachers between schools.
Bonevasio says there needs to be continuity when there are changes in senior leadership within the civil service.
He says when an outgoing official has already dealt with or approved a matter, incoming officials should follow the proper processes to ensure teachers are not disadvantaged by changes in administration.
