Members of the staff association at the University of the South Pacific have started voting to assess the potential for strike action aimed at the removal of Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia. AUSPS General Secretary Rosalia Fatiaki reported that a significant number of people participated in the vote soon after it commenced.
Fatiaki announced that the USP Staff Association had received approval for a ‘Notice of Intention to Conduct Secret Ballot for Strike Action.’ This secret ballot specifically addresses the call for Professor Ahluwalia’s removal.
Concerns have been raised regarding multiple unresolved issues that have been discussed in the USP Council. Fatiaki highlighted that the recent termination of Dr. Osborne-Naikatini was viewed by staff as an act of intimidation, and many other matters have also gone unaddressed.
The staff felt that this termination exemplified a broader pattern of intimidation. After the incident, they submitted their intentions to the Ministry of Employment and received approval to conduct the secret ballot.
Should the voting outcome favor the Association, they will inform the University of their decision to proceed with a strike. FijiLive has reached out to the University for comments. Further updates will be provided as developments occur.