Vanuatu: Prolonged teacher strike likely to increase youth crime

On 21 September, the Vanuatu Teachers Union (VTU) commenced industrial action over unresolved teacher claims. The government’s Teaching Service Commission (TSC), responsible for teacher registration, performance and disciplinary matters, stated that it had not received an official notice of the industrial action. The TSC and VTU have a longstanding dispute over teachers’ claims, payments and funds dating back to 2025. Around 29 July, the Vanuatu Government paid AUD$6 million to settle outstanding teacher entitlements under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Assessment: The industrial action is likely to remain confined to teachers who have remained calm and contained during previous industrial action. However, prolonged school closure will likely contribute to increased youth crime. Previous disputes between the TSC and VTU have been resolved through ministerial and judicial intervention in favour of the VTU, and a similar approach is likely to be used to address the current dispute

Sources: Terence Malapa, “VTU declares teachers’ strike on,” Daily Post, 23 September 2026; Ezra Toara, “More Than 1,100 Teachers Taking Part in Strike, Union Says,” Daily Post, 24 September 2026.