The Fijian Teachers Association (FTA) has welcomed the increased budget allocation for Education Ministry staff but says teachers remain disappointed that calls for a 20 per cent salary increase were overlooked.
FTA president Paula Manumanunitoga said the higher allocation for established and unestablished staff was encouraging, as it would address outstanding staffing issues.
“I think many who have not been paid in the past have now been included in the list, that’s why the increase in the amount that’s allocated in the budget, and we are happy for that,” he said.
However, Mr Manumanunitoga said teachers were frustrated that long-standing concerns over salaries and allowances remained unresolved despite the rising cost of living.
“Teachers are a very unhappy group of people right now because their pleas have not been heard,” he said.
“Their acting allowances and their remote and rural location allowance have not been paid.”
Education Minister Aseri Radrodro told Parliament the 2026-2027 National Budget allocates $434.1million for established staff and $4.78m for unestablished staff, up from $423m and $4.55m respectively.
Mr Radrodro said the increase would help ensure schools were adequately staffed, while regular staff audits would enable the ministry to respond to teachers’ needs and strengthen the delivery of education services across Fiji.
