Opposition Leader Calls for Immediate Release of Delayed Teacher Salaries

Opposition Leader Hon. Inia Seruiratu has issued an urgent call for the government to expedite the payment of pending salaries owed to teachers across the country, describing the delays as both “unacceptable” and “deeply concerning.”

In a statement released today, Hon. Seruiratu expressed alarm over reports that a significant number of newly recruited teachers have yet to receive their salaries, despite having diligently fulfilled their professional responsibilities.

“It has come to my attention, and that of members of the Opposition, that many teachers are still awaiting payment for their services,” said Seruiratu. “This issue appears to stem from internal inefficiencies and procedural delays within the Ministry of Education.”

He stressed that while the underlying reasons for the delays remain known only to the Ministry, the impact on teachers and their families is severe and requires urgent redress.

“Teachers have families who depend on their income for survival,” he said. “The delay in payment has left them struggling to meet basic needs such as providing food, paying utility bills, and ensuring that their children continue to receive an education.”

With Easter fast approaching — a time traditionally reserved for family gatherings and reflection — Seruiratu underscored the importance of resolving the issue promptly so that teachers can enjoy the holiday period without financial anxiety.

“The inability of teachers to make plans or participate in holiday traditions, simply due to the lack of financial resources, speaks to the profound impact of this issue on their well-being and morale,” he added.

Beyond the immediate financial hardships, Seruiratu warned of longer-term professional consequences. He noted that the dedication of teachers often extends beyond the classroom, involving extracurricular commitments and long hours aimed at maintaining the quality of education.

“When teachers are not compensated fairly and promptly, it not only affects their personal lives but also undermines their professional motivation,” Seruiratu said. “If left unaddressed, this could lead to a decline in morale and performance, ultimately impacting students who rely on their educators for guidance.”

Seruiratu emphasized that the strength of the nation’s education system is closely linked to the well-being of its teachers, and failing to address their concerns could have far-reaching implications.

“A demoralized teaching workforce cannot deliver its best to students, and the quality of education inevitably suffers,” he stated. “This does not just reflect poorly on the teachers but also on the broader education system and, by extension, the nation’s future development.”

Calling on the government and the Ministry of Education to act without further delay, Seruiratu and the Opposition coalition urged authorities to prioritise the immediate clearance of all outstanding teacher payments.

“The payments are long overdue, and the situation demands urgent resolution, particularly before the Easter holidays,” he declared. “These teachers have performed their duties faithfully, and they deserve to be compensated without further delay.”

In concluding his statement, Seruiratu warned that the failure to resolve the issue would not only undermine respect for the teaching profession but also jeopardise the future of Fiji’s students.

“As a country that aspires to compete regionally and globally, we must invest in our educators by ensuring that their contributions are properly compensated and valued,” he said.