THE Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) is questioning Government’s silence over the job evaluation exercise (JEE) program for teachers which would have resulted in salary readjustments for some.
FTU general secretary Muniappa Goundar said the last JEE was carried out between 2017 and 2018 and failed to involve union representatives.
“A credible evaluation cannot be undertaken without the participation of the very people who understand the work, responsibilities and challenges of teachers,” he said.
“Teachers were given renewed hope when the former Minister for Finance announced in his 2024 Diwali message that a job evaluation exercise would be undertaken.
“That same message was repeated at the FTU annual general meeting by the chief guest on behalf of the Prime Minister, who indicated that the exercise would commence during the 2026-27 financial year. Unfortunately, the national budget was silent.
“Equally disappointing was the absence of any salary increase for teachers despite the growing cost of living and worsening teacher shortage.”
He said a JEE would ensure equal pay for work of equal value and recognise increased responsibilities of teachers working in a changing classroom environment.
“International good practice recommends that comprehensive public sector job evaluations be reviewed approximately every five to seven years, or sooner where there are significant changes in duties and workplace demands.
“Fiji’s teachers are now well overdue for such a review.
“Teachers have carried the education system through curriculum reforms, technological changes, increasing student welfare responsibilities and a severe teacher shortage.”
Questions sent to the Finance Ministry remain unanswered.
