Fiji Teachers Union slams budget as 'betrayal' of workers

Fiji's 2026/2027 National Budget has drawn strong criticism from the Fiji Teachers Union (FTU), which described it as a "betrayal" of workers, teachers, and their families. The union argues that the budget fails to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of public servants, particularly teachers, while appearing to favor employers.

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The Budget fails to recognise the contribution and sacrifices of public servants, particularly teachers, while instead favouring employers.

A major point of contention is the government's decision to reduce the employer contribution to the Fiji National Provident Fund (FNPF) from 10 percent to 8 percent for the next 12 months. The FTU contends that this move effectively lowers workers' overall remuneration by diminishing their retirement savings, even if their take-home pay remains unchanged.

The union also expressed disappointment that the budget does little to address persistent issues within the teaching profession. These include concerns about salary progression, teacher retention, shortages, increasing workloads, and overall conditions of service. The FTU stated that its proposals for salary equity, retention incentives, and greater investment in teachers were largely ignored during the budget preparation process.

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The move effectively reduces workers’ overall remuneration by lowering their retirement savings, despite no change to their take-home pay.

The FTU is urging the government to reconsider the measures impacting workers' retirement security. Furthermore, the union calls for genuine engagement with unions on policies that ensure fair wages, decent working conditions, and the provision of quality public education.

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The FTU has called on the Government to reconsider measures affecting workers’ retirement security and engage with unions on policies that promote fair wages, decent working conditions and quality public education.