Fiji Teachers Union Demands Fair Pay for Graduate Teachers Working in Primary Schools

The Fiji Teachers Union is sounding the alarm over a critical issue impacting our nation's education system: the systematic underpayment of qualified graduate teachers. It is unacceptable that around 600 dedicated educators, who hold recognized qualifications and are working diligently in primary schools, are being denied graduate salaries. The classification of these teachers as "unqualified" is not only inaccurate but deeply demoralizing. As stated by Fiji Teachers Union General Secretary Muniappa Goundar, "Graduates are graduates, right? Whether they are in primary or secondary." This sentiment resonates strongly within our community, where we value the expertise and commitment of all our teachers. The current situation, where nearly two teachers leave Fiji's shores every day—over 700 annually—is a direct consequence of such pay disparities and a brain drain that weakens our nation. The Itaukei Teacher Association echoes our call for increased wages and incentives. We urge the government to address this pressing matter in the upcoming 2026-2027 budget proposal before the situation deteriorates further. Investing in our teachers is investing in Fiji's future.

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And these teachers are not paid the graduate salary. They are not paid the graduate salary. They are classified as unqualified teachers. After you stand, they are graduates, and they need to be paid the graduate salary. Graduates are graduates, right? Whether they are in primary or secondary.