Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu is urging the Fiji Government to take strong actions to resolve the ongoing conflict between the University of the South Pacific (USP) and its two staff unions. In an interview, Seruiratu emphasized that the Government cannot remain passive while the future of students and the region is at stake, calling for decisive leadership.
He expressed the importance of USP maintaining its status as a leading institution that develops future leaders for the Pacific Islands and beyond. Additionally, Seruiratu has supported requests 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 ongoing investigations into the unions’ demands, stating that such a request is not unreasonable.
The standoff between the staff unions and USP’s management has now entered its fifth day, raising concerns, especially as it coincides with important assessments for students enrolled at the university. Seruiratu attributed the conflict to months of unresolved tensions between the staff and management, which he believes could have been prevented if the university had addressed staff grievances in a timely manner.
He expressed disappointment over USP’s assertion that the strike is related to issues deemed outside the management’s contractual agreements with employees. Seruiratu recommended that USP management seek assistance from the Council if they are unable to resolve the staff’s concerns, noting that the Council is responsible for appointing the Vice Chancellor.
Seruiratu stressed that the standoff must be resolved to ensure it does not negatively impact students’ education. He called for serious investigation into the allegations made by the staff association, especially regarding the non-renewal of contracts for capable Pacific academics who have dedicated themselves to the institution.
FijiLive has reached out to Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro and USP for further comments.