As I glanced through the comprehensive Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) activities report, I pondered about the rich history that this powerful teachers union has. Having a little more than 5000 members, FTU is the largest trade union in Fiji.
This was made possible by the union’s networking and the strong membership drive that is carried out annually. FTU’s 92nd annual general meeting and annual conference at Rishikul Sanatan College set the platform for their activities post-conference.
A huge contingent was part of the AGM. FTU general secretary Agni Deo Singh alluded to Philip Randolph’s powerful quote: “The essence of trade unionism is social uplift. The labour movement has been the haven for the dispossessed, the despised, the neglected, the downtrodden, and the poor.”
The benefits that FTU provides continue to attract teachers to become members.
Apart from addressing industrial relations issues, members’ health, social security and welfare are at the heart of FTU, and this was highlighted at Rishikul College.
Services provided by FTU
The union has a reliable in-house medical insurance scheme which has saved many lives giving, hope and bringing happiness to families.
Capacity building is at the heart of FTU as regular workshops are organised for branch leaders, cluster meetings and school visits are organised to educate members on union services, quarterly national executive meetings are attended by all branch representatives, and a comprehensive activities report is presented for dissemination at branch level.
The union celebrates all union calendared events including Labour Day, World Teachers Day and International Women’s Day.
The national women’s wing is provided with funding to conduct capacity building activities at all levels, and HQ fully funds the Western, Southern and Northern zonal sports tournaments.
Communication is an integral part of the union, and quarterly comprehensive newsletters are disseminated to membership after every national executive meeting.
The annual activities report is published, and FTU makes press releases on key industrial relations matters.
FTU has sound financial management policies and practices.
Organising and membership drive continue to be the focus – there is continuous recruitment of new members.
The school rehabilitation fund, which was established after STC Winston, assists families in distress because of the natural calamities as well as those families affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 92nd AGM and annual conference
Members of FTU gathered in huge numbers for the unions 92nd AGM and annual conference at Rishikul Sanatan College.
The turnout was pleasing, and so were the powerful and vibrant addresses by the FTU national president Muniappa Goundar, general secretary Agni Deo Singh and the chief guest Govind Singh.
The general secretary briefed the house on matters concerning industrial relations and the activities that were undertaken by FTU post-COVID-19.
The general treasurer, Sashi Mahendra Shandil, took the house through the audited financial report, while the vice-president Nakul Deo Barman took the house through the resolutions. On Tuesday, the FTU Co-operative Thrift and Credit Ltd met.
The meeting allowed the shareholders to see the financial position of FTU-CTCL.
The five board members, whose term had expired, were replaced. The new board members are Brij Singh, Latchmi Kumar, Narain Goundar, Rohit Deo and Rajnesh Lingam.
The National Women’s Wing had their meeting on Tuesday. Urmila Singh was elected as the chairperson. In the evening, shareholders attended the FTU-CTCL social.
Launching of the history book
In the evening the FTU history book, which was written by Krishna Datt, was launched much to the delight of the members.
The leader of the National Federation Party, Professor Biman Prasad, was the chief guest.
Prof Biman deliberated at length on the book and its content. The writer Krishna Datt then addressed the delegation present and he alluded to the various chapters and FTU’s signifi cance in the trade union movement.
I was privileged to go through the history book, and I was impressed with the content and what unfolded before my eyes.
The FTU history book collected detailed memories and events from 1930 to 2022.
The detailed descriptions added a priceless memoir to FTU’s dignity. The photos captured vivid descriptions of what actually transpired from 1930-2022.
The writer, Krishna Datt, who was FTU’s president and a member of Parliament, is commended for documenting FTU’s history in a way that is interesting and informative.
The book reveals the role FTU has played as a trade union.
Role of Times
The 92nd FTU AGM and annual conference was covered at length by the reliable newspaper.
Those who could not make it to Rishikul College had a fair idea about the major issues that were discussed as these were covered by The Fiji Times.
Wanshika Kumar and Sophie Ralulu covered day one and two of the FTU and FTUCTCL AGMs, while Rohit Deo covered the sports.
When an organisation, such as FTU, has its AGM and annual conference issues are discussed, and these must be disseminated to the members.
The Fiji Times reported events in a professional, neutral and fair way. Photos added glamour to the coverage.
Upsets during the sports meet
Sporting events have traditionally added hype and excitement to the AGM and annual conference.
This year’s games attracted a huge crowd and some upsets were on the card.
The soccer competition was tough, and Nadroga created one of the biggest upsets when they defeated Labasa in the quarterfinal. Lautoka also upset hosts Nasinu in the semifi nal.
Rewa, which was one of the most consistent teams, had the last laugh as the Delta Tigers won the soccer competition, defeating Lautoka.
Nasinu scooped the netball title, outpacing rivals Suva.
Taveuni sent shockwaves in the men’s volleyball competition as the men from the Garden Island upset defending champions Suva, ending Suva’s two-decade dominance in the competition.
Nasinu created history as they won the men’s volleyball title.
In women’s volleyball, the women from the Old Capital beat Suva in the semi-fi al, and then shocked Nasinu with a dynamic performance to return to Ovalau with the spoils.
The standard of competition was quite tough and the presence of district reps in sports added thrust and thrills.
At the outset, Nasinu, being the host branch, dominated the sports meet, while Rewa’s togetherness and ‘red’ spirit on and off the field stood out.
The best players for the various sports include: soccer – Rajneel Prasad (Rewa); netball – Josifi ni Talei (Nasinu); women’s volleyball – Sainiana Vukicibua (Levuka); and men’s volleyball – Alipate Tui (Nasinu).
Friendly North to host the 2023 AGM
Labasa bid to host the 2023 FTU AGM and annual conference next year.
The Friendly North last hosted the AGM and annual conference in 2015 and excitement is high among members as they plan their travel to Labasa which is known for its hospitality and oneness.
The 2023 AGM and annual conference is bound to take the Friendly North by storm and large numbers are expected to converge for the AGM.
Thanks and appreciation
The host branch, Nasinu, deserves credit for hosting the 92nd AGM and annual conference.
In a short span, the executives, led by the chairperson, Ashween Raj, pulled the loose ends, got a “spirited” team and organised the three-day conference and the pre-conference meeting.
The FTU national executive, led by national president Muniappa Goundar and general secretary Agni Deo Singh, and the branch reps deserve accolade for their efforts.
Sponsors are also thanked for their generosity.
It was pleasing to note the support from FTU stalwarts, including those who have retired from FTU.
The commitment of the FTU leadership to stand and defend the collective and individual rights of the membership remains steadfast, and has been praised by many.
The general secretary has been hailed as the man with a lion heart as he has been active in addressing his members’ grievances.
I conclude with this quote by Pooja Agnihotri, which featured in the FTU activities report: “You guide your team when they lose the path, you pick them up when they fall, and you give them motivation when they have none.”
Long live FTU!
- RAJNESH LINGAM is a regular contributor to this newspaper. The views expressed are his and not of this newspaper.
