The University of the South Pacific has not yet addressed the requests from two staff unions demanding the immediate removal of Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia. The strike, organized by members of the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff and the USP Staff Union, persists today.
On Friday, more than 200 USP staff protested outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office, urging his removal due to ongoing grievances regarding his leadership, which include serious governance concerns and the recent firing of AUSPS President Dr. Tamara Osbourne-Naikatini.
In response to the strike, USP plans to pursue legal action against the Permanent Secretary of Employment’s ruling related to the protest. The university has issued warnings to striking staff that they will not receive wages for the duration of the protest.
Additionally, it has been reported that Professor Pal Ahluwalia is currently out of the country.