The University of the South Pacific has responded to the recent vote by the University Staff Association calling for a strike aimed at the removal of Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia, describing the turnout as low.
According to a statement from USP, unofficial figures show that only 25 percent of Academic and Professional Staff and 28 percent of Administrative and Support Staff participated in the vote. The university noted that of its over 1,300 employees spread across 12 regional countries, the two unions involved in the ballot represent just 41 percent of the total workforce.
USP management emphasized its commitment to engaging in constructive dialogue to address legitimate staff concerns within the framework established by its Council and the employment laws of its member countries. The university expressed confidence in its ability to contest the unions’ claims, characterizing some of their statements as misleading or false, and intends to pursue legal remedies under the Employment Relations Act.
Additionally, the university stated that it has received support from the USP Students Association for the Vice Chancellor. USP also mentioned that it was notified about the approval from Fiji’s Office of the Registrar of Trade Unions for the secret ballot. The university pointed out that the appointment of its Vice-Chancellor and President is made by the USP Council, which includes representatives from all 12 member countries.