Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has instructed the Education Minister to organize a meeting with the University of the South Pacific (USP) Council to tackle the allegations put forth by the striking staff members. In his statement, Mr. Rabuka acknowledged that the workers are adhering to the guidelines outlined in the Employment Relations Act of 2007.
“The USP staff union is following the procedures for a strike as stated in the Employment Relations Act 2007,” Mr. Rabuka noted. He also reported that all student support services at the Laucala Campus of USP are functioning normally, thanks to staff members who are not part of the union as well as those union members who have opted not to participate in the strike.
Furthermore, Mr. Rabuka has empowered the Education Minister, Aseri Radrodro, to convene a meeting of the USP Council to discuss the demands from the USP Staff unions.
Reuben Colata, the general secretary of the USP Staff Union, expressed appreciation for the Prime Minister’s involvement, mentioning a rise in support on the fourth day of the strike. However, he voiced frustration over the absence of direct negotiations, saying, “While statements are being made, without face-to-face discussions, we seem to be at a stalemate.” He emphasized the necessity of bridging communication gaps with university leadership, noting that many senior managers seem to be disengaged, as several are currently in Samoa.
Colata stated, “Now we see things moving, but what we want is for people to come down here and negotiate with us.” He remarked on the prevailing sentiment at USP, indicating that there is an expectation the strike might lose momentum. “We will decide when to stop the strike and when to continue,” he added.
He articulated the need for substantive dialogue to address the union’s demands and achieve a resolution, affirming that the unions are keen to pursue this form of negotiation. “We went to the council secretariat to get answers regarding the terms of reference for the investigation to proceed. However, the manager at the council secretariat appears to be powerless, unable to take action.”
“There should be communication among the three parties involved, but that communication is lacking,” he concluded.