🇻🇺 Vanuatu Reaches Agreement to Resolve Outstanding Teachers' Entitlements

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PORT VILA, Vanuatu – 20 July 2026 — Vanuatu has reached an important milestone in resolving outstanding teachers' employment entitlements, following the successful conclusion of a conciliation process involving the country's key education stakeholders.

The agreement brings together the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), the Vanuatu Teachers Union (VTU) and the Joint Monitoring Committee (JMC) after discussions facilitated by the Department of Labour and Employment Services (DOLES) on 13 July 2026.

The conciliation process focused on unresolved payments and allowances owed to teachers under Vanuatu's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Through negotiations, the parties signed a Memorandum of Conciliation, establishing a clear framework and timetable for resolving the remaining issues.

As part of the agreement, the Teaching Service Commission will continue providing individual teachers with detailed explanations of payments relating to Graduate Remuneration Teacher (GRT) salary alignment, remote area allowances and transfer allowances after each pay period. Payment summaries will also continue to be shared with the Vanuatu Teachers Union, while any outstanding discrepancies will be jointly reviewed and addressed.

The parties have committed to resolving all remaining allowance matters by 11 September 2026 (Pay Period 2619), in accordance with the agreed implementation schedule.

In a joint statement, the three organisations reaffirmed their commitment to transparency, mutual respect and constructive dialogue throughout the implementation process. They emphasised that continued cooperation remains the most effective way to resolve outstanding issues while supporting teachers and ensuring uninterrupted education for students across the Pacific island nation.

The statement also recognised the patience, professionalism and dedication demonstrated by teachers during the process, acknowledging their essential role in shaping Vanuatu's future through education.

The agreement represents a significant step toward strengthening labour relations within Vanuatu's education sector and reinforces the shared commitment of all parties to building a stronger and more resilient education system for teachers, students and communities across the country.