Saturday 21st November 2020
The National Federation Party says both the Fiji First Government and Fiji National University have been misleading the people of Fiji over the future of Technical Colleges because documentation proves only five Colleges will remain open throughout Fiji after 31st December.
NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad says statements by the Attorney General and FNU’s Acting Vice-Chancellor that a review was being conducted was misleading as Technical College Staff have been informed that their employment will be terminated on 31st December.
NFP Leader Professor Biman Prasad says statements by the Attorney General and FNU’s Acting Vice-Chancellor that a review was being conducted was misleading as Technical College Staff have been informed that their employment will be terminated on 31st December.
“In a memorandum sent out on Wednesday (18 November, FNU’s Director of Technical College David Wedlock clearly outlined all Colleges with the exception of five throughout Fiji will be closed at the end of the year”.
“Staff whose contracts will be terminated are encouraged to apply for positions that would be advertised if the Education Ministry fails to employ them”.
“No reason whatsoever was given for the closure and termination of staff”.
“The five to remain open next year are Vanua Levu Arya campus, Ratu Epeli Ravoka campus, Tagitagi campus, Nadroga/Navosa Provincial campus and SHTT campus”.
“According to the memorandum all contracts ending on 31st December won’t be renewed”.
“And only all staff on contracts ending beyond 31st December 2020 will receive a redundancy package of one month’s pay plus one week’s pay for each year of service”.
“Staff whose contracts will be terminated are encouraged to apply for positions that would be advertised if the Education Ministry fails to employ them”.
“It is abundantly clear that government was consulted by FNU before this drastic step was taken to curtail meaningful employment of Technical College teachers and abruptly end the education of students aspiring to qualify for suitable jobs”.
“So why are both FNU and government behaving in a sinister manner having already decided to slash jobs and education without any prior notice?”
“This government brags about leaving no one behind. It should put money where its mouth is and ensure no teacher or any other employee loses his or her job”.past decades produced highly qualified and skilled trade personnel who have had highly successful careers both here and abroad”.
“This government is renowned for interfering in areas and ultimately destroy policies, objectives and institutions.
“At a time when securing employment and upskilling our youth to contribute effectively and meaningfully towards national development that is really critical to our social and economic survival, government’s action is like a kick to the guts of teachers and students”.
“This government brags about leaving no one behind. It should put money where its mouth is and ensure no teacher or any other employee loses his or her job”.
“That is the least government can do on humanitarian grounds”.