Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has directed Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro to convene a meeting of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Council to discuss the demands raised by the USP staff unions. In a statement posted on social media, Rabuka noted that the Association of USP Staff and the USP Staff Union have adhered to the guidelines for strike action as outlined in the Employment Relations Act 2007.
As the fifth day of the USP unions’ strike concludes without a resolution, the Prime Minister reported that student support services at the USP Laucala Campus continue to function normally, thanks to the efforts of both non-union staff and those union members who opted not to participate in the strike.
Earlier, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu urged the Government to take prompt action to resolve the ongoing conflict between USP and the staff unions. He emphasized that the Government should not remain passive while the future of the region’s youth is at risk. Seruiratu called for decisive leadership and demanded the immediate suspension of Vice-Chancellor and USP President Professor Pal Ahluwalia to facilitate investigations into the unions’ requests. He expressed concern over the situation, particularly as it coincides with the upcoming assessments for students at USP.
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