Just as Members of Parliament approved a 30 per cent pay rise for themselves, Fijian teachers are equally deserving of the same recognition and reward. That is the call from Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) to Government as the nation anticipates the 2025-2026 National Budget announcement next Friday. FTU has called on the Government to grant teachers a 30 per cent pay increase, warning that the future of the nation’s education system was at stake. This amid the exodus of teachers to New Zealand and Australia. “FTU’s stand is on a 30 per cent pay rise in line with the emolument committee’s salary adjustment for Members of Parliament,” said FTU general secretary Muniappa Goundar on Friday. He said the 2025–2026 National Budget, set for release on June 27, presents a crucial opportunity to invest meaningfully in Fiji’s human capital and to reaffirm the Government’s commitment to the teaching profession. “While we are thankful for the gains achieved this far, FTU emphasises the urgent need for further substantial increases in salaries and improvements to terms and conditions of service for our teachers,” Mr Goundar said. FTU, represents 40 per cent of Fiji’s teachers and is the largest union in the South Pacific; it has submitted a comprehensive log of claims to both the Ministries of Education and Finance. Among its most pressing concerns was the rapid departure of local teachers to overseas markets. Alarming migration numbers Data from the Ministry of Education and independent studies, including a 2023 report from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs, shows over 600 Fijian teachers migrated to Australia and New Zealand between 2022 and 2023—a trend that continues to rise. “This necessity is underscored by the growing and concerning trend of teacher migration to countries such as Australia and New Zealand,” Mr Goundar said. Poor working conditions FTU blames the teacher exodus on low pay, poor working conditions, and lack of support. In Fiji, graduate teachers start on an annual salary of $28,883, or around $US12,709, typically placed on Band F Step Three. Delays in salary upgrades and a rising cost of living have only deepened dissatisfaction. “Although recent Government initiatives have included salary increments and other incentives, pay remains stagnant, especially in light of inflation and the rising cost of living,” Mr Goundar said. By comparison: New Zealand graduate teachers earn between $NZ58,000 to $66,000 ($US35,000–$40,000). Australia offers the highest starting salaries, ranging from $AU75,000 to $85,000 ($US50,000–$57,000) depending on the state. Education Ministry Education Minister Aseri Radrodro says the upcoming National Budget must urgently prioritise ongoing issues that the ministry faces most importantly teacher retention. This he said was among school infrastructure, teacher retention, and student support, as the sector continues to battle serious challenges. Highlighting the growing exodus of educators, Mr Radrodro stressed the need for better funding to retain teachers. “We hope to see infrastructure development in schools, teachers’ quarters, undertake repairs and maintenance,” he said, noting that many teachers’ accommodations were in dire conditions. “We look forward to a good budget in the retention of our teachers… Teachers are moving to greener pastures, some are moving to other sectors of government,” he said. He also called attention to the impact of teacher burnout, urging for a budget that allows teachers to focus purely on teaching. “The issue of teachers’ burnout is real—that is why we are seeking the funds to ensure that they focus solely on teaching and not other jobs required of them,” he said. Mr Radrodro reaffirmed Government’s commitment to student assistance, including bus fares and school fee support. Feedback: shratikan@fijisun.com.fj