The Ministry of Employment has stated its neutral stance on the ongoing dispute involving staff at the University of the South Pacific (USP).
Maritino Nemani, the permanent secretary for Employment, emphasized that the ministry would not provide comments on the situation. During a recent interview, Mr. Nemani noted that mediation efforts were taking place with the Ministry of Labour, which will engage with the Ministry of Education concerning the current strike. However, he indicated that he was not fully appraised of the details of the dispute as he is currently overseas.
“I have no idea at all because I’m overseas,” stated Mr. Nemani. “I can’t make any comment because it’s a trade union matter. We have a specific team that handles that. I don’t interfere with anything that they do. So that’s why you never hear comments from me.”
He reiterated the commitment of the ministry to remain neutral, facilitating discussions without taking sides. Mr. Nemani clarified that the primary responsibility for addressing the issue lies with the USP staff, their union, and the Ministry of Education.
In a statement made yesterday afternoon, USP asserted its efforts to minimize disruptions to lectures, tutorials, and other academic activities during the strike by staff based in Fiji.
“We also confirm that all essential services, including the Library, Medical Centre, Student Administrative Services, Counselling, Computer Labs, and ITS, continue to operate without interruption,” the statement revealed.
Furthermore, the university clarified that, contrary to media reports, any legal action was aimed at the decisions made by the permanent secretary for Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations, not directed at the person himself.
“The university believes that the actions taken by the ministry are legally incorrect and intends to appeal this in line with the Employment Relations Act provisions. Reports suggesting that the strike includes demands for pay increases are incorrect, as terms and conditions of staff are not part of the official strike mandate.”
USP echoed the recent media statement from Fiji’s Minister for Education, Honourable Aseri Radrodro, emphasizing the commitment to resolving the matter through dialogue and adherence to established processes and the Employment Relations Act in Fiji.