THE Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) has announced that teachers will receive their updated salaries before the processing of the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA).
This update was outlined in a circular issued by MEHRD to all education providers across the country on March 6.
According to the circular, the 2025 MEHRD budget includes full provisions for teacher salaries under the new structure, as well as the 3 per-cent COLA payment.
Furthermore, it stated that any necessary backdated adjustments will be considered to ensure fair compensation.
The circular stated: “Please note that teachers and school leaders will receive their updated salary before the COLA is processed. The cleaned teacher data will be used for COLA payment.”
The budget also includes full provisions for the new salary structure, the 3 per-cent COLA payments, and any adjustments that may be required for backdating.
MEHRD further advised teachers and school leaders that they will receive confirmation of their new classification and salary through their respective Education Providers.
The MEHRD Education Legislative Committee is currently finalising a notification template for this purpose.
In addition, the ministry will update job descriptions and contracts for teachers and school leaders, which will be provided to education providers.
An information sheet outlining the new salary classification and pay structure will also be distributed.
For those who believe they have been incorrectly classified under the new structure, the ministry has confirmed that a review process will be available.
The salary payments based on the new teacher classification and salary structure will be processed on 6 April.
The first batch of salary notification letters is expected to be distributed to teachers by education providers at the end of March or early April.
Last year, MEHRD conducted a two-day workshop for all education providers in the country to facilitate the submission and verification of teacher data.
This initiative is part of a broader teacher-data clearing exercise aimed at preparing for a transition to the new salary structure.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
