The Opposition bloc in Parliament has offered support to the government to help address the ongoing teachers’ issues.

In recent weeks, the country has seen escalating tensions surrounding teachers, with the government now working to resolve the matter following a recent court judgment confirming that the teachers’ industrial strike is legal and in line with the law.

The government announced it would take the case to the Court of Appeal.

However, the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Ishmael Kalsakau, said the Opposition believes taking the matter to the Court of Appeal will not resolve the core issue.

“We don’t believe that going to the Court of Appeal will solve this problem. Even if one side wins, the issue will continue. It’s time to come to our senses, sit at the table, or use our traditional way—go to the Nakamal, have a proper discussion, and reach an understanding so life can move forward again,” he said.

The Opposition bloc has now come forward to extend an open hand to the government, offering to assist in any way possible to sit down and find a clear path to resolve the teachers’ issue as soon as possible.

“The Opposition has reached out today to the government to say that if there is any way we can help the government sit down with the teachers and negotiate a solution, we must do so. We need a pathway to ensure all teachers are paid and negotiations happen to bring them back into classrooms. We need to find a way forward where the government can focus on funding, teachers return, and children resume learning. We must work towards that,” he said.

In a press statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office earlier this week, the Prime Minister emphasized that leaders must not use the teachers’ issue for their own political gain, stating that at some point, all sides have contributed to letting this issue drag on.