Ilima Finiasi, an executive member of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Staff Association, stated that there is a call for the resignation of Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia, with support from campuses across the region.
In an interview, Finiasi mentioned that they are maintaining ongoing communication with other unions across various campuses, all of which express similar concerns regarding Professor Ahluwalia’s leadership. He emphasized that the issues associated with the Vice-Chancellor extend beyond the Laucala Campus and impact the entire region.
In response, the University noted that it employs over 1,300 staff across 12 countries in the region, and members of the two unions mentioned constitute only 41 percent of its overall workforce. According to unofficial estimates, those who supported the strike proposition represent 25 percent of Academic and Professional Staff and 28 percent of Administrative Support Staff.
The University acknowledged that the unions are acting in accordance with Fiji’s Employment Relations Act. On Wednesday, a secret ballot took place at the Laucala campus, where 95 percent of staff in Fiji supported the strike after four hours of voting.
The Association of USP Staff (AUSPS), which includes academic and research staff, recorded a 61 percent turnout with 96 percent voting in favor of the strike. Similarly, the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPSU) reported over 70 percent turnout and 94 percent support for the strike among administrative and support staff.
The vote stems from unresolved issues related to Professor Ahluwalia’s governance, including serious governance concerns and the recent dismissal of AUSPS President Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, which has been described as the tipping point by AUSPS General Secretary Rosalia Fatiaki. Staff from USP centers in Laucala, Lautoka, Labasa, and Savusavu took part in the voting process.
Furthermore, it has been noted that Professor Ahluwalia’s contract was recently extended for an additional two years, expiring in 2026.