The threat of more teachers from Samoa making the trip across to American Samoa in search of better pay has been dismissed by Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi.
Speaking during Parliament’s Question and Answer session, the Prime Minister reassured that there is nothing to be alarmed about.
He also told the leader of the Opposition Party, Palusalue Faapo II, not to feel threatened by the first group of teachers who have already left Samoa.
The Prime Minister was responding to a question from the Tautua Samoa Party about whether the government is concerned about the exodus of teachers who have gone looking for better salaries and benefits.
Palusalue also asked for an update about the government’s plan to increase the salaries of teachers.
“Don’t feel threatened by them leaving for American Samoa,” Tuilaepa responded, adding that no one should try to stop them.
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“It is the right of a person to decide to move if it makes them happy to leave for work and much higher wages. But those threats do not stop us from doing what needs to be done.”
According to Tuilaepa, what needs to be done is for the government’s Salary Tribunal to thoroughly review teachers’ wages, taking all factors into consideration. Any salary increase always has ramifications, the Prime Minister pointed out.
Referring back to history, the Prime Minister recalled problems with the 40 per cent increase for public servants in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
“The Ministry of Finance cannot just go ahead with recommendations just like that,” said Tuilaepa. “The government has to set it out in a way that is appropriate, avoiding confusion.”
Tuilaepa said up until now, some sections of the private sector are still unhappy about the 40 per cent increase. “It is why we have preparations to make everything clear.”
Tuilaepa said a paper is before Cabinet for consideration before a final decision is made. When that is likely to happen, he did not say.
He reminded Parliament that a dispute over wages led to the public servants’ strike in 1981.
“So we don’t just jump at anything,” said Tuilaepa. “When you make decisions, you have to be careful that they are not rushed.”
Concerns from the Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (M.E.S.C) were raised when the American Samoa Department of Education confirmed that 25 local teachers had been selected to teach in the territory.
A.S.D.O.E Director, Vaitinasa Dr. Salu Hunkin Finau said the 25 teachers were “carefully selected from over 100 applicants.”
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