Teachers throughout the country have been experiencing a reduction in salaries in which a certain amount of money is being taken out from their fortnightly pay.
With the issue of pay cuts often falling on deaf ears, teachers commune in groups on social media platforms like Facebook, to express their frustrations, complaints, and concerns.
Three senior teachers from Madang, Milne Bay and East New Britain all confirmed the issue with their teaching staffs pay cuts.
Alotau Primary School’s Head Teacher Mrs. Emma Laisetta stated that her teachers including herself had various amounts of money removed from their fortnightly pay.
“One of my teachers had K48 deducted from her salary; meanwhile I had roughly K100 to K200 taken out from my pay.”
Mrs. Biel Towili Deputy Head Teacher for Kusbau Primary in Madang also confirmed that teachers in Kusbau experienced pay cuts.
“Our pay cuts started since the holidays and has continued till last fortnight.”
Mr. Bernard Manau, Principal of Utmei Secondary School in East New Britain, spoke on the situation as well, however their grievances were addressed.
“We had an issue with pay cuts, but that problem was solved after we visited the education office.”
“Our pay cut amounts were done depending on the teaching position of the staff.”
“As I was the principal, there was larger amount of money deducted from my salary whereas other teachers had smaller amounts of money taken from their salaries.”