The University of the South Pacific has approached the court to prevent any further strike actions by staff who are demanding the removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia. The university’s two unions, the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS) and the University of the South Pacific Staff Union (USPSU), initiated a strike on October 18, 2024. Although not all members participated, the striking employees returned to work on October 25, 2024, after a week-long protest, but they have warned that they could strike again if their demands are not addressed.
Lawyer Wylie Clarke represented the university in front of Justice Chaitanya Lakshman, requesting an injunction to stop further strikes during the examination period due to concerns that additional strikes could disrupt students’ education. He clarified that the strike mandates were solely related to the removal of Professor Ahluwalia.
However, the union members are also demanding the reinstatement of Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, a biology lecturer and AUSPS president, who was dismissed after disclosing confidential information about Professor Ahluwalia’s contract review to a magazine. Dr. Osborne-Naikatini was part of the committee that had recommended the renewal of the vice-chancellor’s contract.
Mr. Clarke argued that any further strike actions would exceed the legal boundaries set by the strike ballots. In contrast, lawyer Siddarth Nandan, representing the unions, argued that any future strike would comply with the law and claimed that the university’s concerns about disruption during exams were exaggerated.
Justice Lakshman emphasized the need for reasonableness among all parties, noting that rights come with limitations and obligations. Mr. Nandan has 14 days to submit his arguments, while Mr. Clarke has seven days to respond. The case will be revisited on November 21.
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