Members of two staff unions at the University of the South Pacific (USP) faced a tough decision between joining a strike and receiving their paychecks. The University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPU) and the Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) initiated the strike on Friday, calling for the resignation of Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia.
The unions expressed their concerns following a recent council meeting that they felt only dealt with human resources matters instead of the broader issue of inadequate leadership by Ahluwalia. Over 200 staff members at the Laucala Campus participated in the peaceful protest, grappling with the dilemma of attending the strike or opting for their salaries.
An email from Agnes Kotoisuva, the executive director for People and Workplace Strategy, informed staff that those participating in the strike would forfeit their pay during that time. “Please note that staff members who are on strike will not be paid for the period they are on strike,” Kotoisuva stated.
She also mentioned that staff members who are union members and do not report to work or maintain regular office hours without prior approval would be assumed to be striking. Furthermore, new leave applications would not be authorized during the strike, except in verified emergencies.
Both USPU General Secretary Reuben Colata and AUSPS General Secretary Rosalia Fatiaki criticized the university’s approach. Fatiaki urged members not to be intimidated by threats to their employment, affirming their rights to strike.
Attempts to reach the university and Kotoisuva for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.