The Fiji Teachers Union (FTU) has filed proceedings in the Employment Court to stop the Ministry of Education from implementing a new system in promoting heads of secondary schools.
The FTU stated the Education Ministry had changed the minimum qualification requirement (MQR) for promotion and appointment and said only those who had postgraduate qualifications would be promoted.
“We believe the decision is unfair, unjustified and discriminatory and shows the total disregard of their own policies,” said FTU general secretary Agni Deo Singh.
“The union has made an application to the court to grant a stay on the processing of these posts until court proceedings are concluded and a ruling delivered.
“The union has submitted that any change to the existing MQR that had been deemed suitable all these years must remain and no change made without consultation with the teacher unions.
“The union has further submitted that those who already possess equivalent qualifications, i.e. degree in the relevant subjects plus the teacher training component, must not be eliminated.
“The current acting principals have been ably leading schools for several years.
“This is yet another decision made in haste, without any thought to the damage and disruption it will cause to the smooth running of the schools.
“We demand that the ministry immediately withdraw this decision and stick to the existing MQR.
“The union will not accept anything less.”
