The University of the South Pacific (USP) is contemplating legal action against the Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations, Jone Maretino Nemani. An email notification from Agnes Kotoisuva, the USP Executive Director for People’s and Workplace Strategy, stated that this decision comes as the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPSU) and the Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) plan to strike on Friday, October 18, 2024, over issues deemed outside their collective contracts and employment conditions.
Kotoisuva indicated that the university is pursuing appropriate legal action in response to the rulings made by the Permanent Secretary. Additionally, there is a demand from the unions for Professor Pal Ahluwalia, the university’s vice-chancellor and president, to resign, following dissatisfaction surrounding the outcomes of a recent Special Council meeting. The unions feel that Professor Pal’s leadership should be examined more closely, rather than human resources matters.
Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh has yet to issue a statement regarding the situation. Reuben Colata, the general secretary of the USPSU and spokesperson for the union strike, criticized the university’s plans for legal action, expressing concern over the implications of taking the government to court. Colata remarked that involving the largest contributor to the university in legal proceedings raises questions and hopes for a sensible resolution.
Inquiries sent to the university for clarification have not received responses as of the time of publication.