Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has instructed Education Minister Aseri Radrodro to convene a meeting of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Council to discuss the claims presented by the USP Staff unions.
In a statement on his social media, Rabuka noted that both the Association of USP Staff and the USP Staff Union are following the necessary protocols for a strike as outlined in the Employment Relations Act 2007.
As the fifth day of the strike by USP unions concludes without resolution, the Prime Minister reported that all student support services at the USP Laucala Campus are functioning normally, thanks to the efforts of staff who are not part of the unions as well as those union members who have opted to continue working.
Earlier in the day, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu urged the Government to take prompt measures to resolve the deadlock between USP and the staff unions. He expressed concern over the potential negative impact on the future of students and the region, emphasizing the need for strong leadership.
Seruiratu also called for the immediate suspension of Vice-Chancellor and USP President Professor Pal Ahluwalia to facilitate an investigation into the unions’ demands. He remarked that the situation has become critical, particularly with student assessments approaching.
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