Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu is urging the Fiji Government to take firm action to resolve the ongoing standoff between the University of the South Pacific (USP) and its two staff unions. Speaking to FijiLive, Seruiratu emphasized that the government must not remain passive while the future of students and the broader region is at stake. He insisted that strong leadership is required to navigate this situation.
Seruiratu highlighted the importance of USP maintaining its reputation as a leading institution that cultivates future leaders from the Pacific Islands and beyond. He also supported calls from the Association of USP Staff and the University of the South Pacific Staff Union for Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia to take a leave of absence during the ongoing investigation into staff demands, stating, “This is not unreasonable.”
The dispute enters its fifth day, and Seruiratu expressed concern, particularly as it coincides with a key period for student assessments. He noted that the standoff stems from months of unresolved tensions between the university’s management and its staff, which could have been avoided if management had listened to employee grievances.
Seruiratu described the management’s recent statement, which suggests that the strike is related to issues considered outside of contractual agreements, as troubling. He urged USP Management to seek the involvement of the council if they are unable to address the concerns raised by the striking staff. He pointed out that the council has the authority to appoint the Vice-Chancellor.
Seruiratu stressed that this standoff should not persist at the expense of students’ education and stated that the serious allegations from the staff association warrant thorough investigation. If claims are true that contracts for promising academics at USP are not being renewed, this situation requires immediate action from all parties involved. FijiLive has sought comments from the Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro and USP.