Members of the University of the South Pacific’s two staff unions are set to begin a strike today. The unions had previously voted to initiate a strike back in March, raising issues related to salary increases, modifications to promotion policies, and the heavy workload faced by teaching staff.
Five months later, on August 14, the unions once again voted to strike, this time demanding the removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia. This decision was largely influenced by the recent termination of Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, a mid-career academic and President of the AUSPS.
During a meeting on Monday, union members reiterated their frustrations over unresolved long-standing issues. An email sent to all union members yesterday confirmed that the strike will commence at 8:30am today, with the staff unions labeling the event as “Black Friday” at USP.
The secretariat underscored the importance of this strike as a vital move in their ongoing quest for improved leadership at the university, urging members to unite in their demand for change.
Meanwhile, the University of the South Pacific Students Association (USPSA) voiced their concerns over the strike, clarifying that while some individual members supported the action, the overall student body remains separate from the strike’s organizing groups.
In response to the planned strike, the university issued a statement indicating that the issues at hand fall outside the scope of collective contracts and employment conditions. They emphasized their commitment to prioritizing support for students and minimizing service disruptions during this time.