THE Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) has condemned an application from the Ministry of Civil Service to the education sector that allegedly could lead to teachers taking on more responsibility.
FTU general secretary Muniappa Goundar said while cost-saving measures may be workable in some parts of the public service, they were simply not practical in our schools.
“Teaching is not an office-based function where duties can be redistributed through multitasking,” he said.
“A teacher cannot effectively teach two or more classes simultaneously without compromising the quality of education and student learning.
“The Circular 39 restrictions on acting appointments and the withholding of acting allowances are unacceptable.
“Where teachers are required to perform the duties and responsibilities of a higher position, they must receive formal acting appointment letters and the appropriate acting allowance.”
He said the Employment Relations Act 2007 promotes fair employment practices and employees should not be expected to undertake higher responsibilities without appropriate recognition and remuneration.
“Requiring teachers to shoulder additional responsibilities without compensation is unfair and undermines morale.
“The Government has also announced a freeze on appointments across the public service.
“Such a policy is particularly damaging for the Ministry of Education. Vacant leadership and teaching positions cannot simply remain unfilled while existing teachers absorb the workload.
“These positions are already provided for in the National Budget, and acting arrangements attract only a proportion of the salary difference.
“There is, therefore, no sound justification for denying legitimate acting appointments where operational needs clearly exist.”
Mr Goundar added teachers were already leaving Fiji in significant numbers in search of better opportunities.
