The two teachers unions have today called for more pay increments for teachers although major increases came into effect from early this year.

The Fiji Teachers Union which had its Annual Conference in Labasa today, held discussions on pay, terms and conditions, and the planned push to get the government to hold negotiations with unions on their members’ grievances.     

General Secretary, Agni Deo Singh said they have also been affected by the government’s decision not to deduct union members’ subscription fees from civil servants who are their union members.

These deductions were previously done by the government for the unions.
 
Singh also claimed that the pay rise given by the government earlier this year is insufficient.

They want the starting salary to be increased from $13,000 to about $18,000.

FTA President Merewairita Moci said the teachers are poorly paid with contracted work conditions hanging over their heads, constant changes to the curriculum and the big class sizes in some schools.
 
Moci said the Ministry is not recognizing the FTA and FTU.

About 500 FTA members were present at the opening of their conference today which will end on Thursday.

Also present in the conference were Ro Teimumu Kepa, Pio Tabaiwalu, Lavinia Padarath and Taufa Vakatale.

Meanwhile Permanent Secretary for Education, Doctor Brij Lal said the unions know well that pay increments were approved earlier this year.