A 30 percent increase is not something the government is considering for teachers.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad has made this clear after fijivillage News asked him about the 30 percent increase that the teachers have been asking for as there has not been a pay rise for the past 17 years.
Professor Prasad says they expect better from union leaders about this new environment they are talking in.
He says the Fiji Teachers Union General Secretary is already talking about strikes and that is their right.
The Deputy Prime Minister says his advice to the FTU General Secretary is that these things can be resolved and there has to be a much better appreciation and understanding of where they have come out after 17 years.
He says the fact that the Fijian Teachers Association and the Fiji Teachers Union can come and have a discussion with the Minister of Finance at his Ministry is a change in itself and is something the country, teachers and unions appreciate.
Professor Prasad will deliver the 2024/2025 National Budget at 10am next Friday.
