Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu is urging the Fiji Government to take swift action to resolve the ongoing standoff between the University of the South Pacific (USP) and its two staff unions. In remarks shared with FijiLive, Seruiratu emphasized that the government must not remain passive while the future of children in the region is jeopardized, underscoring the need for decisive leadership.
Seruiratu stated that USP should maintain its reputation as a leading institution that fosters and develops future leaders in 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 leave during the investigation into the unions’ demands, describing this request as reasonable.
The standoff between the AUSPS and USPSU and USP management has now entered its fifth day. Seruiratu expressed concern over the timing of the dispute, which coincides with the assessment period for students attending USP. He noted that the situation stems from months of unresolved tensions between the university and its staff, which might have been avoided if USP had addressed employees’ grievances sooner.
He found it troubling that USP management characterized the strike as relating to issues they deemed outside of collective contracts and employment conditions. Seruiratu called for management to seek the Council’s assistance if they are unable to address the staff’s concerns effectively, pointing out that the Council is responsible for appointing the Vice-Chancellor.
He insisted that the standoff should not persist if it jeopardizes children’s education. He stressed the seriousness of the staff association’s allegations and the need for thorough investigation. Furthermore, he raised concerns about the potential non-renewal of contracts for promising Pacific Islands academics, calling for urgent attention from all stakeholders involved.
FijiLive has reached out to Education Minister Aseri Radrodro and USP for their responses.
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