FTA unhappy with increment and demands 30% pay rise for teachers

The Fijian Teachers Association says it is not satisfied with the 7 to 20 percent pay increase for civil servants because the government has not committed to considering their demand for a 30 percent pay increase for teachers.

FTA General Secretary, Paula Manumanunitoga says they would have preferred if Professor Biman Prasad had announced a budget plan yesterday that included a 10 percent increase this year, followed by additional increases in the subsequent years.

Manumanunitoga also says that they had a phone discussion with some executives from the Fiji Teachers Union, while they are somewhat satisfied with the 7 to 20 perecent pay increase, they will continue to press their negotiations with the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Finance to reach a mutual agreement satisfactory to both parties.

He further says for salary band D, which starts at $14,000, teachers have been struggling to justify and cope with their very low pay.

He adds that the cost of living and the pay many teachers are receiving do not meet their daily needs.