MANY teachers in Western Province have expressed disappointment after failing to receive their backdated salaries, despite government promises that payments would be made yesterday.
While teachers did receive their newly re-levelled salaries in line with the government’s revised pay structure, the backdated payments from February 1st to mid-May were not included in their pay packets.
Speaking to the Solomon Star in an interview on Thursday, several teachers shared their frustration over the delay, saying they had travelled into town expecting the full salary adjustments to have been processed, as promised.
“This is very sad and discouraging,” one teacher said.
“Our leaders told us in Parliament that the backdated payments would be settled by Thursday. We came into Gizo expecting to see it reflected in our payslips, but we only received the new salary rate—not the backdated lump sum.”
The teacher, who asked not to be named, said many of their colleagues had made sacrifices to travel from remote schools to Gizo just to access pay details.
“Please, no more sweet talk,” the teacher pleaded.
“If the process isn’t completed, just tell us the truth. Don’t announce it publicly and get our hopes up for nothing.”
Another teacher added: “We’re not asking for anything extra—just what was promised. If the backdated salaries aren’t ready, then just be honest with us.”
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
