The University of the South Pacific (USP) is contemplating legal action against Jone Maretino Nemani, the Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations. An email sent to USP staff by Agnes Kotoisuva, the executive director for People’s and Workplace Strategy, suggested this possibility.
Kotoisuva indicated that 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 that the university management believes fall outside the unions’ collective contracts and employment conditions. The university has decided to pursue legal avenues concerning the directives issued by the Permanent Secretary.
The unions have demanded the resignation of Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia, citing concerns related to recent outcomes from a Special Council meeting. They argue that the focus needs to be on the leadership of Professor Ahluwalia rather than merely on human resources.
Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh has not yet responded to the developments. Reuben Colata, the general secretary for USPU and spokesperson for the striking staff, has criticized the university’s potential legal action. He noted that filing a lawsuit against the ministry effectively means taking the Fiji Government to court, despite its status as a major contributor to the university’s funding.
Colata expressed uncertainty about the motivations behind this legal strategy, urging for reason and understanding in the matter. Queries sent to the university for clarification went unanswered before this edition went to press.