The University of the South Pacific (USP) is contemplating legal action against Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations, Jone Maretino Nemani. An email communication to the university staff from Agnes Kotoisuva, the USP executive director for People’s and Workplace Strategy, suggested this potential move.
The email noted that the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPSU) and the Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) plan to strike on Friday, October 18, 2024, regarding an issue the university management believes falls outside their existing collective contracts and employment terms. Kotoisuva indicated that the university is prepared to take appropriate legal measures against the rulings made by the Permanent Secretary.
The unions have demanded the resignation of Professor Pal Ahluwalia, the university’s vice-chancellor and president. Their grievances are primarily based on outcomes from a recent Special Council meeting, with unions arguing that Professor Pal’s leadership should be scrutinized more closely than the issues related to human resources.
Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh has not yet provided a comment regarding the situation.
USPSU general secretary and union spokesperson Reuben Colata expressed strong disapproval of the university’s plans for legal action. He remarked that pursuing legal avenues against the Permanent Secretary essentially amounts to legal action against the government, which is the largest financial supporter of the university. Colata expressed concern about the implications of such a move and hoped for a sensible resolution.
As of the latest updates, the university has not responded to emailed queries concerning the matter.