Teachers await unpaid leave fares ahead of 2026 school year

With the 2026 academic year set to begin next Monday, many teachers across the country are still waiting for leave fares and other entitlements owed to them from 2025.

The delay has raised concerns among teachers who are now preparing to return to work while facing financial difficulties.

Acting Teaching Service Commission [TSC] Chairman, Maini Ugaia, says leave fares are lawful entitlements and must be paid on time.

He said more than 530 teachers in the National Capital District alone have not received their leave fares, with the number expected to be much higher nationwide.

Mr Ugaia said the approved vacation period has already ended, yet teachers remain unpaid as schools prepare to reopen.

He called on responsible government agencies to resolve the issue within the first term of the school year and ensure all outstanding payments are made directly into teachers’ bank accounts without further delay.

Mr Ugaia warned that the Teaching Service Commission will take action if responsible agencies fail to meet their obligations.

“TSC Act Section 9 mandates the Commission to protect and safeguard the interests of teachers in this country. Therefore, the Commission will always act when the actions of responsible agencies infringe on the rights of teachers,” he said.

He added that leave fares are already included in the national budget and should not be delayed.

“Leave fares are budgeted and parked under provincial government grants. TSC does not manage these funds but intervenes when teachers’ interests are denied,” Mr Ugaia said.

He stressed that teachers deserve timely payment of their lawful entitlements and urged responsible agencies to act immediately to restore confidence and ensure fairness for teachers and their families.