The Fijian Teachers Association is disappointed with the Government’s decision to implement PAYE deductions on the eve of the much awaited pay raise that was promised to Assistant Teachers.
FTA General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga said they had been continuously fighting for a pay raise for Assistant Teachers and had been promised that the teachers will be receiving it on Pay 7, which is today.
“We have received numerous complaints from our members that as they were expecting a pay raise this pay day it was not to be after the Government decided to deduct their taxes first before they were given the balance.”
“FTA is asking why this is so and who in particular made this decision to implement tax deductions at a time when teachers’ expectations were really at a high? Who in particular decided that these teachers would swallow this kind of treatment which has been dished out to them? This is like a slap in the face to the Unions and teachers who we represent?
Manumanunitoga said they had started negotiations with the MOE on the view that they needed to put a plug on the exodus of teachers who were leaving for greener pastures but instead of making them happy they are given a slap on their faces.
“Teachers are already struggling with the very little pay that they are getting but when promised salary adjustments their spirits are now at an all-time low.”
“Many teachers came to realize after visiting the ATMs this morning (with high expectations) that they have received a lesser amount than they used to receive on a normal pay day. Some even have a bank balance of less than a hundred dollars only, a teacher called in to inform us that he received a ZERO balance in his account.’
“Why is Honorable Biman Prasad and FRCA treating teachers like that? Why do they have to start immediate tax deductions after teachers were eagerly expecting a pay raise? How stupid are these people in authority? How would they feel if they themselves were treated that way?
“FTA would like to seriously state its biggest disappointment today and demands that these teachers be refunded what they deserve and taxes can be staggered fortnightly for the duration of the year. Teachers should not be treated like this. This kind of treatment will further dampen their already low trust and faith in this Government and expedite actioning their intentions to look for greener pastures overseas.”
He added that if the Government fails to take heed of our pleas we will be exploring further actions to take.
