The government may have to pay out over 3 billion vatu in damages to teachers who are preparing to file counter-claims against it.

Currently, there are more than 600 teachers who are part of these claims.
Each teacher, as a member of the Vanuatu Teachers Union (VTU), is seeking a starting amount of 5 million vatu in damages through the court.

This follows the outcome of the Appeal Court on August 14, which upheld the Supreme Court ruling on May 30 that declared the teachers’ strike legal.

As a result, the teachers together with the VTU are working with their lawyers to lodge counter-claims against the Teaching Service Commission (TSC).

VTU lawyer, Andrew Bal, told VBTC News that the 5 million vatu figure is only a starting point. Some teachers may seek more depending on their individual circumstances, including those who were terminated.

“Teachers have already paid court fees, and we are working around the clock to distribute the damages forms. The total number of members involved has now passed 620. In December, 590 names appeared in court, but with ongoing suspensions, the figure has increased to 613 and may continue to rise,” Bal said.

If all claims are filed and accepted, the starting amount of 5 million vatu per teacher could push the total cost of damages to over 3 billion vatu.

Bal confirmed that the counter-claims will be finalized this week, warning that if the court rules in favor of the teachers, it will cost the government a significant amount of money.