NZEI SUPPORTS FIJI TEACHERS UNION

The New Zealand Educational Institute is calling on the Fijian Government to reinstate Fijian Teachers Association President Tevita Koroi, who was suspended yesterday.

Some 4000 Fijian teachers, members of the association, ked by Koroi, are on strike today to protest a five per cent pay cut and a reduction in the retirement age from 60 to 55. Koroi, who is the Principal of Nasinu Secondary School, has been suspended by interim Education Minister Netani Sukanaivalu for writing to other principals without Ministerial authorisation and allegedly using his position as principal for union matters

NZEI National President Irene Cooper says the Fijian Government itself has confirmed the strike is legal.

“We urge the Fijian Government to respect the rights of people to take legitimate strike action to protest a reduction in their conditions of employment. We also urge the Government to protect Mr Koroi’s human rights to provide appropriate leadership in his role as President of the Fiji Teachers Association,” Irene Cooper said.

She said the NZEI expresses its solidarity with Fijian teachers and their right to conditions of employment that enable them to deliver a quality education service.

The NZEI call was reinforced by Colin Tarr, Vice President, of the Council of Pacific Education (COPE) of which Tevita Koroi is President. COPE is an umbrella group of education unions in the Pacific.

ENDS

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