The Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff Union, along with the University of the South Pacific Staff Union, is set to initiate strike action against Vice Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia tomorrow. This decision has been confirmed by the AUSPS Office.
The unions are addressing grievances regarding Professor Ahluwalia’s leadership, which include significant governance concerns and the recent termination of AUSPS President Dr. Tamara Osborne Naikatini. The strike is scheduled to take place at 8:30 AM at the Laucala Campus.
Ilima Finiasi, an executive member of the USP Staff Association, expressed that there is widespread sentiment across all campuses in the region calling for Professor Ahluwalia’s removal. He noted that they are in regular communication with other unions across the region, all sharing similar concerns. The challenges posed by the Vice Chancellor extend beyond the Laucala Campus, affecting the entire region.
In August, the association overwhelmingly approved the idea of a strike for the Vice-Chancellor’s removal, with 95 percent of staff in Fiji supporting the action. Staff from Lautoka, Labasa, and Savusavu also participated in this vote.
The grievances surrounding Professor Ahluwalia’s leadership, along with the issue of Dr. Naikatini’s dismissal, remain unresolved, even as his contract has been extended for another two-year term.