Shopkeepers have been calling the Fijian Teachers Association to raise concerns about teachers who are being forced to buy goods on credit because they have not received their salaries, and FTA's members could call for industrial action if the issue remains unresolved.
This has been shared to fijivillage News by the General Secretary of the Fiji Teachers Association, Paula Manumanunitoga.
He says the failure to pay workers on time is a serious concern under the Employment Relations Act.
Manumanunitoga says the situation is extremely serious, with some teachers going for several months without getting paid by the Ministry of Education after taking up appointments, particularly those posted to the outer islands.
According to Manumanunitoga, newly appointed teachers receive their appointment letters and travel to their assigned schools, often having to make arrangements to reach remote communities by boat however, some reportedly wait one, two, three, or even four months before receiving their first salary.
He says in some cases, teachers have accumulated nearly $1,000 in credit.
Manumanunitoga says once a person has been appointed and begins working, they are expected to receive their salaries.
He says the association has questioned why the current backlog has occurred, noting that in the past, appointment letters were sent directly to the relevant salaries section so that payments can be processed.
The General Secretary says following discussions with the Permanent Secretary, the association was given an undertaking that teachers who have not received their salaries would be paid in Pay 17.
The association is calling for those responsible for the delays to be identified and held accountable, saying the situation cannot be allowed to continue.
There is also growing concern about what could happen if teachers are not paid as promised.
The FTA is urging the Ministry of Education and Ministry of Finance to ensure that all outstanding salaries, including acting allowances, are paid as promised.
Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro highlighted earlier this week that salary arrears owed to 318 Ministry of Education staff will be expedited and processed through Pay 17 and Pay 18.
Radrodro assured all affected teachers and Ministry of Education staff that the necessary processes are underway to facilitate the payment of these outstanding salary arrears.
He acknowledged the concerns and difficulties experienced by staff as a result of the delays.
The Minister says these delays have been due to internal processing and compliance requirements necessary to ensure that all payments are properly verified and processed accurately and efficiently.
He says to support the timely processing of payments, all affected teachers are encouraged to ensure that their documentation is complete and up to date, including proper appointment documentation, FTRA registration certificates, correct bank account details and confirmation of commencement dates from Heads of Schools and/or District Education Officers.
He says the Ministry has undertaken the necessary due diligence to ensure that appointments are properly formalised and that all required documentation is in place before payments are processed.
Radrodro says welfare of their staff remains a priority for the Ministry.
