Members of the staff association at the University of the South Pacific (USP) have started voting on the prospect of a strike aimed at ousting Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia. Rosalia Fatiaki, the General Secretary of the AUSPS, reported a significant turnout within the first hour of voting.
The USP Staff Association secured approval to proceed with a ‘Notice of Intention to Conduct Secret Ballot for Strike Action.’ The secret ballot specifically concerns Professor Ahluwalia’s removal.
There have been several unresolved issues raised with the USP Council, and Fatiaki indicated that the recent termination of Dr. Osborne-Naikatini was seen by staff as an act of intimidation. Staff members have voiced their frustrations, noting that many concerns brought to the Council’s attention have not been addressed.
Following Dr. Osborne-Naikatini’s termination, the association informed the Ministry of Employment about their intentions and received approval to conduct the secret ballot. Should the results favor the association, they will officially notify the university of their decision to strike.
FijiLive has reached out to the University for further comments. Updates will follow as the situation develops.