The Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS) has raised significant concerns regarding the university’s delay in starting investigations. According to the AUSPS, the USP Council Secretariat, which reports directly to the Vice-Chancellor, has hindered progress, leading to questions about the investigation’s independence and fairness.
The AUSPS noted that a Special USP Council Meeting took place four weeks ago, yet the ‘terms of reference’ for the investigation remain unresolved as the November Council meeting approaches. They demanded that fair and transparent investigations proceed without further delay or interference.
Additionally, the Association pointed out that classes have been canceled due to staff participation in the strike, contradicting the university’s claims of minimal disruption. The AUSPS emphasized that students have also joined the strike, with media coverage confirming the closure of classrooms.
The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Pal Ahluwalia, has faced criticism for his lack of responsiveness and engagement with the unions, having conducted only one of the four scheduled quarterly meetings this year. Furthermore, Staff Policy Committee Meetings, which are intended to address important issues and grievances, have not been held this year, with only two meetings occurring in the previous year.
AUSPS highlighted that this lack of communication illustrates the Vice-Chancellor’s failure to prioritize dialogue with staff. They expressed frustration that no senior management representative has approached the strike location to discuss the reasons behind the protests, suggesting a disconnect with the Pacific way of dialogue.
The unions reaffirmed that the staff strike arises from genuine, longstanding concerns. They criticized the delay tactics as undermining trust in university leadership and urged the Council to establish a timeline for the investigation, with an expectation that a report will be ready for the November Council Meeting.