The Ministry of Education has confirmed that salary arrears owed to 318 staff members will be paid under Pay 17 and Pay 18, following delays caused by internal and compliance issues.
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro said the Ministry had expedited the processing of the outstanding payments.
Radrodro said some of the delays were linked to incomplete documentation required to process appointments and salaries.
“The common issues identified during the processing of payment of arrears are the absence of FTRA registration certificates, lack of bank details, and the absence of timely submission of confirmation of officers’ commencement of duty from their respective Heads of Schools and/or District Education Officers,” he said.
He urged affected teachers to provide the necessary documentation, including confirmation of their appointment and commencement date from their Head of School or respective District Education Officer.
Radrodro said the Ministry had also undertaken due diligence to ensure all appointments were formally processed and that there was no incomplete documentation.
“I wish to advise all teachers that they need to understand that all appointments are formally processed and signed by PS Education prior to reporting to schools. This should allow for smooth processing of their appointments in our HR Department and for processing of their pays,” he said.
The Minister acknowledged the continued dedication of teachers working in schools across Fiji and thanked them for their commitment to providing quality education to students.
He also acknowledged the approval by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka for the payment of the salary arrears.
Radrodro said the Ministry would continue to streamline its expenditure controls while ensuring staff welfare remained a priority.
“I wish to assure all our MOE Staff that their welfare remains a priority for this Ministry. The arrears of salary payment is not only a financial recognition, but also a reaffirmation of the Coalition Government’s appreciation for the critical roles in the lives of educating our children,” he said.
The Minister also thanked education stakeholders and teacher unions for their continued support, collaboration and understanding.
