It is unfortunate 18% FNPF contribution has not been reverted – Confederation

It is unfortunate the full 18 percent FNPF contribution has not been reverted in the National Budget and the accumulated loss in the long term will be substantial.

This is according to the Fiji Teachers Confederation who say the unions have been calling on the Government to revert the full contribution to enable workers to have a decent retirement pension.

The Confederation which consists of the Fiji Teachers Union and Fijian Teachers Association say the government being the largest employer will save millions.

They say it should also be noted the reduction in employers’ contribution is effectively a pay cut.

Meanwhile, the confederation adds 160 places allocated for scholarships for teacher training is inadequate as over 13,000 teachers in rural and maritime areas deserve leave with pay to upgrade their qualifications.

The Government has allocated 165 scholarships for teacher training in Maths and Physics, Industrial Arts, Primary Education and Computer Science.