The Fijian Teachers Association has issued a stern warning to the government, saying if longstanding issues on teachers' pay, rural allowances, and working conditions are not addressed, the union will move to organize a protest march or even a national strike.
FTA General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga says the resolution was passed during the union’s Annual Delegates Conference this week, where more than 1,000 delegates from across the country raised concerns they believe have been ignored for years.
He says a central issue raised was the classification of teachers under the broad civil service category, arguing that teachers, whose work involves early morning outdoor supervision, and direct engagement with students, cannot be compared to office based civil servants.
He says frustration is also mounting over salary increases.
Manumanunitoga says while the Police Force recently received a 20 to 30 percent raise, teachers were given just 3 percent in 2025, following a 7 percent increase in 2024 and the FTA has been demanding a 30 percent raise.
Manumanunitoga also claims when they approached Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Professor Biman Prasad, they were told there was no money, yet other sectors continue to receive raises.
He says this shows education is not a priority.
We have sent questions to Professor Prasad. He is yet to respond.
