Members of the University of the South Pacific’s two staff unions are set to strike today. The unions had initially voted for a strike in March, expressing their concerns about pay increases, promotion policy changes, and the heavy workloads faced by teaching staff.
After five months, on August 14, the unions voted to strike again, this time demanding the removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia. This action was sparked by the recent dismissal of Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, a mid-career academic and president of the AUSPS.
During a meeting on Monday, the unions concluded that ongoing issues had yet to be resolved. The unions communicated the confirmation of the strike to all members via email yesterday, stating it would begin at 8:30 am today, branding the day as “Black Friday” at the university.
“This strike is a vital part of our continued struggle for improved leadership at USP. Your participation and support are essential for us to be heard,” the secretariat stated, urging members to unite for the changes they seek.
The University of the South Pacific Students Association (USPSA) has voiced its concerns about the strike. In a statement, they clarified that while some members individually support the strike, the student body as a whole remains separate from the organizing bodies behind it.
In response to the impending strike, the university issued a statement saying that the issue at hand is considered outside the scope of their collective contracts and employment conditions. The university emphasized that during this period, supporting students is their top priority and that they will strive to minimize disruptions to services.