Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu is urging the Fiji Government to take swift action to resolve the standoff between the University of the South Pacific (USP) and its two staff unions. In an interview, Seruiratu emphasized that the government cannot remain passive while the future of children and the region is at stake, requiring strong leadership.
He stressed the importance of USP maintaining its status as a leading institution that develops future leaders from the Pacific Islands and beyond. Additionally, Seruiratu echoed the demands of the Association of USP Staff and the University of the South Pacific Staff Union, calling for Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia to step down temporarily as investigations into the staff’s concerns are conducted.
Seruiratu expressed that this request is not unreasonable. The ongoing dispute between the AUSPS and USPSU against USP’s management has now entered its fifth day. He noted the seriousness of the situation, especially as it coincides with important assessments for students at USP.
He attributed the standoff to long-standing tensions between the organization and its staff, which could have been avoided if USP had engaged with employees’ grievances sooner. He criticized USP management for stating that the strike is about issues deemed outside their collective contracts and employment conditions.
Seruiratu suggested that if USP management is unable to resolve the staff issues, they should seek assistance from the Council, which appoints the Vice-Chancellor. He warned that the standoff should not jeopardize the education of students, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations made by the staff association, which warrant investigation.
He also raised concerns about the potential non-renewal of employment contracts for talented academics at USP, urging stakeholders to urgently address these issues for the sake of the students. FijiLive has sought comments from the Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro and USP regarding the situation.