Fiji Teachers Union demands 15% pay rise in 2026-2027 budget

The Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) is pushing for a significant 15 percent pay rise for teachers in the upcoming 2026-2027 National Budget. FTU General Secretary Muniappa Goundar argues this increase is crucial for teachers to manage the escalating cost of living and to combat a growing teacher shortage.

Goundar detailed the proposed 15% increase, breaking it down into four components: an eight percent cost-of-living adjustment, a three percent salary scale progression payment, a two percent merit-based increase, and a two percent equity and retention adjustment. He emphasized that these elements are vital for maintaining salary structures, recognizing performance, and enabling teacher retention.

The union highlights that approximately two teachers leave Fiji's schools daily, seeking better opportunities in Australia and New Zealand. This exodus exacerbates the existing shortage, impacting the quality of education. The FTU asserts that improved pay and working conditions are essential to retain experienced educators and strengthen the nation's education sector.

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You know, that 15% that FTEU is asking for, it ensures the teachers can meet the cost of living, to some extent, I would say, that salary structures remain intact, that performance is recognised, that retention becomes possible. Why am I listing these four things? Because that 15% I have broken down into those four subheadings.