The University of the South Pacific (USP) is contemplating legal action against Jone Maretino Nemani, the Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations. This information surfaced through an email advisory from Agnes Kotoisuva, the USP executive director for People’s and Workplace Strategy, which was circulated to all staff.
In her message, Kotoisuva addressed the decision by the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPSU) and the Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) to initiate a strike on Friday, 18 October 2024, due to an issue that university management believes falls outside of their collective contracts and employment conditions. She noted that the university is preparing to take appropriate legal action in response to the rulings made by the Permanent Secretary.
The unions are demanding the resignation of Professor Pal Ahluwalia, USP’s vice-chancellor and president, as part of their grievances stemming from the recent Special Council meeting results. They argue that the leadership of Professor Pal should be examined more closely than the current human resources issues.
Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh has not yet provided a response regarding the situation. Meanwhile, Reuben Colata, the general secretary of USPU and spokesperson for the strike, has criticized the university’s plans to pursue legal action. He expressed concerns over the implications of the university potentially suing the Fijian government, which is its largest financial supporter.
Requests for clarification sent to the university went unanswered by the time of publication.