The Fijian Teachers Association has expressed its strong support for the call to localize the vice chancellor’s position at the University of the South Pacific (USP), as stated by General Secretary Paula Manumanunitoga.
Manumanunitoga mentioned that the union members visited USP staff involved in the strike this week. He emphasized the association’s solidarity with the striking staff, stating, “As a sister union, the Fijian Teachers Association did go there to visit the striking staff to support them. We were briefed on the issues they were fighting for and negotiated with the council, but as a union we strongly supported them.”
He reinforced their stance, advocating for a Pacific islander to fill the vice chancellor’s role. “We have heard of their situation and difficulties, and we support them in their desire to have him removed and replaced by a Pacific islander as vice chancellor,” he said.
Additionally, Manumanunitoga noted that FTA members learned from the Prime Minister that the staff union’s strike is legal and well within their rights. “They have followed all the laws which are required to adhere to before going on strike, and he has instructed the minister to conduct an investigation and provide a report upon his return,” he added.
He emphasized the importance of the financial contributions made by the Fijian Teachers Association to the University of the South Pacific, stating, “We must show concern. Even though we have our own national university, we all have been through the University of the South Pacific, and we feel for what the staff are voicing out right now.”
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