Members of two staff unions at the University of the South Pacific (USP) faced a tough decision between participating in a strike and receiving their salaries. On Friday, the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPU) and the Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) initiated a strike, demanding the resignation of the university’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia.
The unions expressed frustration over the outcomes of a recent special council meeting, which they felt only focused on human resources concerns rather than addressing their allegations of inadequate leadership by Professor Ahluwalia. Over 200 staff members from the Laucala Campus participated in the peaceful protest, but many had to decide whether to forgo their pay to support the strike.
On Thursday, Agnes Kotoisuva, the USP executive director for People and Workplace Strategy, notified all staff via email that those participating in the strike would not receive payment during that time. She stated, “Staff members who are on strike will not be paid for the period they are on strike.”
Kotoisuva further outlined that staff who were members of either union and did not report to work without prior-approved leave would be considered to be on strike. She also mentioned that new leave applications would not be approved, citing the impact of the strike on university operations, except in cases of verified emergencies.
Both Reuben Colata, USPU general secretary, and Rosalia Fatiaki, AUSPS general secretary, condemned the university’s approach to the situation. Fatiaki urged union members not to be intimidated by the threat to their jobs, stating, “This is your right.”
Attempts to obtain comments from the university or Kotoisuva were unsuccessful by the time of publication.