Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has given permission to Education Minister Aseri Radrodro to convene a meeting of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Council to discuss the concerns raised by USP staff unions.
In a statement posted on his social media accounts, Rabuka noted that the Association of USP Staff and the USP Staff Union have adhered to the necessary protocols for a strike as outlined in the Employment Relations Act of 2007.
As the fifth day of the unions’ strike concludes without a resolution, the Prime Minister reported that student support services at USP’s Laucala Campus continue to function normally, thanks to staff members who are either not part of the union or have opted to continue working during the strike.
Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu urged the Government to take proactive steps to address the impasse between USP and the two staff unions. He emphasized the importance of ensuring the education and future of children in the region are not compromised and called for strong leadership in this matter.
Seruiratu also requested the immediate suspension of Vice-Chancellor and USP President Professor Pal Ahluwalia to facilitate a thorough investigation into the unions’ demands. He expressed concern over the timing of the strike, which coincides with the upcoming assessments for USP students.
Leave a comment