The University of the South Pacific Staff Association has approved the initiation of strike action aimed at the removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia.
A four-hour secret ballot conducted at the Laucala campus concluded at 4 PM yesterday, with 95 percent of USP staff in Fiji supporting the strike. The Association of USP Staff (AUSPS), which represents academic and research employees, recorded a 61 percent voter turnout, with 96 percent in favor of the strike.
The University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPSU), representing administrative and support personnel, also demonstrated significant support, with over 70 percent participation and 94 percent voting in favor.
This vote stems from ongoing grievances regarding Ahluwalia’s leadership, which includes serious governance concerns and the recent termination of AUSPS President Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini. AUSPS General Secretary Rosalia Fatiaki indicated that this dismissal was the tipping point for many staff members.
Staff members from USP’s centers located in Lautoka, Labasa, and Savusavu also took part in the voting process. The Ministry of Employment supervised the ballot and will soon provide official results and formal endorsement.
Professor Ahluwalia’s contract was recently extended for an additional two-year term, set to conclude in 2026.