FTU welcomes the three school terms and increase in retirement age of teachers

The Fiji Teachers Union President Muniappa Goundar says the Union welcomes the decision made by the Coalition Government on the three school terms, the retirement age of teachers to be increased to 60 years and the removal of contracts for teachers and reinstating the tenureship.

Goundar says the increase in the retirement age to 60 years is well taken by the FTU because senior teachers, on the verge of retirement can now have a sigh of relief as they will continue to teach until they reach 60 if they so wish.

He also says this will also ensure the shortage of teachers in schools is addressed as most teachers are leaving for greener pastures in Australia and New Zealand.

Goundar further says the FTU was always against teachers having contracts and they were not consulted before the decision was taken by the previous Government.

The President says reverting to three school terms is encouraging and he believes it is a relief to most parents, especially those living in the maritime zones, remote and rural areas.

He says four school terms have financial implications for parents who have to send their children away from home for study purposes.

He also says most Fijian students are accustomed to the three school terms.