The government, as approved by the Council of Ministers, is committed to paying off the outstanding claims of over 4 billion Vatu owed to the Vanuatu Teachers Union (VTU).

However, the VTU must also recognize that teachers have a responsibility to ensure that students’ education is not disrupted by their actions, according to the Education Authority.

Hon. Simil Johnson, Minister for Education, told VBTC News that the Council of Ministers has pledged to pay the 4 billion Vatu over the next four years.

“Over 500 million Vatu has already been paid to teachers and principals based on the validated claims,” Mr. Johnson said.

He added that more payments will be made once the budget is approved by Parliament.

He further emphasized that the payments will be deposited directly into individual accounts, not to the Union.

“I want to stress that the government expects teachers to fulfill their duties,” he said.