The Fijian Teachers Association is calling for a 20 percent salary increase for teachers to fulfill its earlier demand made when the Coalition Government came into power in early 2023.
While speaking on the upcoming 2026/2027 National Budget, FTA General Secretary, Paula Manumanunitoga says the association had initially sought a 30 percent pay increase, but only a 3 percent rise was granted in the 2023/2024 National Budget.
Manumanunitoga also says the association is calling for an immediate and comprehensive review of the Civil Service Reforms introduced in 2017 by the previous Government.
He says the reforms left the structure of the Ministry of Education in jeopardy, as schools were categorised without proper consideration of factors such as whether they were boarding schools, student roll numbers, and their location.
He adds that many teachers were adversely affected by the reforms, with some being downgraded in rank and salary, which he says was demoralising.
The FTA General Secretary says the Ministry was also restructured in a manner that has negatively affected its output and effectiveness.
Manumanunitoga says the Human Resources Section took over many operational matters, including appointments and transfers.
He adds that while the reforms, new structure and processes may have worked for other ministries, they were not suitable for the Ministry of Education.
Manumanunitoga says the association has raised these concerns with the Ministry of Finance, as well as the Minister for Education and his team, but claims the issue has not been treated as a priority.
He says a review of the reforms would mean a great deal to teachers, as the changes significantly affected the salary bands of teachers serving in schools across the country.
FTA is also calling on the Government to increase allowances for teachers serving in rural and remote areas, saying the allowances they currently receive are "peanuts" compared to the challenges and responsibilities they face.
Manumanunitoga says currently, single teachers receive $300 while married teachers get $600.
The 2026/2027 National Budget will be delivered on the 26th of this month.
