Rabuka encourages teachers to speak with unions for possible solutions
He assured teachers present that they had also taken into consideration years of experience and not just about qualification of teachers, which often made the difference in salaries of teachers.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka told teachers to take their request to their union so that it could collectively formulate a proposal to Government for future consideration.
Mr Rabuka’s response was after numerous concerns were raised by teachers on Thursday on the margins of his welcoming ceremony by the Fiji Teachers of Confederation.
The concerns were:
This is to allow the issue to be received formally by the minister responsible, Mr Aseri, so eventually Cabinet can review the matter
• Amend the allowance per year for teacher transferred to remote/rural areas. Secondary school teacher, Vunise Taufa, requested this amount to be revised to a term as the cost of living was high;
• Differences in salaries paid to newly-graduates and experienced teachers on the field were also highlighted;
• Repatriation of teachers who died on duty in the rural areas.
With regards to the adjustments in allowance, Mr Rabuka encouraged the teachers to consult with their union.
“This is to allow the issue to be received formally by the minister responsible, Mr Aseri, so eventually Cabinet can review the matter,” he said.
“Vosota mada vakalailai” (Bear with it for a little while).”
For difference in salaries, Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro, said the ministry had engaged in the process of working together with the union to conduct teachers’ transfers. This was received with applause by the attendees.
He assured teachers present that they had also taken into consideration years of experience and not just about qualification of teachers, which often made the difference in salaries of teachers.
For repatriation of deceased teachers, it was noted that the ministry assisted, however it ceased just recently.
For this, Mr Rabuka told teachers that they were taking it into consideration.