The Minister for Education is being urged to follow proper procedures and legal requirements by advertising vacant positions and allowing them to remain open for six months to ensure due process, instead of appointing individuals directly, allegedly favouring former students of Queen Victoria School.
This is being raised by Paula Manumanunitoga, General Secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association.
Manumanunitoga was responding to a statement issued yesterday by the Ministry of Education regarding recommendations for the education sector.
He claimed that some teachers are working in acting positions without being paid the appropriate salary bands, describing the situation as exploitative.
He further alleged that such conditions place undue pressure on teachers and negatively affect their morale and livelihoods.
Manumanunitoga added that the Minister should not allow such practices to continue and must take responsibility to address these concerns.
Meanwhile the Ministry of Education says it has worked hard over the past three and a half years to re-establish good governance principles that prioritise service delivery for our key stakeholders in the education sector.
Minister, Aseri Radrodro says that since assuming the role of Minister for Education, his focus has been on addressing gaps and the various concerns raised through his office and, importantly, on setting out long-term objectives that adequately cater to the fast-evolving learning environment we now experience globally.
Radrodro says the comments by the General Secretary of the Fijian Teachers Association are noted, and he is entitled to his opinion and that of the members he claims to represent.
He says Manumanunitoga is a good friend and colleague, and the Minister has worked closely with him and other union executives, including the FTU, in the best interests of their members and the students, who are a crucial part of the education sector.
Radrodro says Manumanunitoga’s comments on his ability to lead the Ministry, and his claims that the Ministry of Education has regressed compared with the previous administration, must be taken as a joke, perhaps from an aspiring politician.
The Minister understands that Manumanunitoga stood for elections in 2022 and may contest again in the next election; if so, his comments should be viewed in the context of political debate.
Radrodro says he remains focused on delivering to the best of his ability, which has included working diligently to improve teachers’ benefits and their working environment, with no fear or favour.
He adds that some changes had to be made, and the Minister has done his best to build a results-driven team at the Ministry of Education.
Manumanunitoga also emphasized that the Ministry has an obligation to engage directly with teachers and should not place them under unfair pressure.
He warned that unresolved issues affecting teachers’ working conditions could ultimately impact students and the quality of education.
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