Ilima Finiasi, a representative of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Staff Association, expressed that Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia should resign, a sentiment echoed by campuses throughout the region.
In an interview, Finiasi mentioned their ongoing communication with other unions across the regional campuses, which share similar concerns. He emphasized that the dissatisfaction with Professor Ahluwalia’s leadership isn’t confined to the Laucala Campus, impacting the entire institution.
However, the University responded by highlighting that it employs over 1,300 staff members across 12 countries in the region, with the two involved unions representing only 41 percent of the total workforce. According to the University, unofficial voting figures indicate that those in favor of the motion account for 25 percent of the Academic and Professional Staff and 28 percent of the Administrative Support Staff.
The University acknowledged the union action as being conducted in accordance with Fiji’s Employment Relations Act.
On Wednesday, a secret ballot conducted over four hours at the Laucala campus concluded with a striking 95 percent of USP staff in Fiji voting in favor of the strike. The Association of USP Staff (AUSPS), which represents academic and research staff, recorded a turnout of 61 percent with 96 percent endorsing the strike. Similarly, the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPSU), representing administrative personnel, reported a turnout exceeding 70 percent with 94 percent support.
The voting was prompted by unresolved grievances regarding Professor Ahluwalia’s leadership, including significant governance concerns and the recent removal of AUSPS President Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, an action that AUSPS General Secretary Rosalia Fatiaki labeled as the breaking point.
Staff from USP’s centers in Laucala, Lautoka, Labasa, and Savusavu participated in the voting process. Notably, Professor Ahluwalia’s contract was recently renewed for an additional two years, set to conclude in 2026.