Singh Thanks Union Members for Support

Close to 2000 members out of the 4971 Fiji Teachers Union membership cast their votes at this year’s National Election, the Fijian Elections Office confirmed.

According to FTU, as of 6pm last night the provisional results were: FTU National President Muniappa Goundar had 1347 votes while General Secretary Agni Deo Singh had 1034 votes, signalling a clear victory for another term in office.

Speaking to the Fiji Sun last night, Mr Singh said they are humbled by the overwhelming support received from members who took time out to vote.

“We were always confident because we have delivered during our term and we knew the members were appreciative of that. We have plans moving forward. While we already have a list of achievements there are some very contentious issues that we need to address with the Ministry of Education and we want to get into business straight away,” Mr Singh said.

“We also wish to thank those who contested the election, our colleagues who have not made it for putting us to the test. It is a healthy sign that there are elections.”

The first agenda on the table for the FTU leadership is the 91st Annual Conference which is scheduled for

the first week of the school holidays.

The Union also has pending issues to address like the teachers job evaluation exercise, restoration of the executive teachers and counsellor positions, pay increment and boarding and location allowances for members.

Mr Singh said although FTU is the biggest union in the country with close to 5000 members, there are teachers who are not part of any union that they would like to rope in. FTU is in the process of establishing a Youth Wing which will be discussed in the next AGM.

“We want to see that our youth members participate more actively in decision making for the union. We have youth empowerment programmes at the district levels also to create enthusiasm in younger people and as part of our succession plan so that we prepare leaders to take over as senior leaders exit.”

Assistant general secretary Rajnesh Lingam encouarged members to support their office holders and vowed to keep fighting for members rights.

Photo: Fonua Talei From left: Assistant general secretary Rajnesh Lingam, publicity officer Brij Bhan Singh, vice president (womens wing) Ajeshni Nand, general treasurer Sashi Shandil, general secretary Agni Deo Singh, national president Muniappa Goundar and national executive committee member (Central) Pranesh Kumar.