The Fiji Labour Party is raising concerns over the delay in addressing longstanding staff grievances at the University of the South Pacific (USP), a situation that has led to a standoff between the university’s management and its unions.
Labour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry visited the striking USP staff and discussed the issue, asserting that the unions’ claims have merit, supported by an independent report regarding Vice Chancellor Pal Ahluwalia’s performance presented to the USP Council in November 2023.
In September 2024, a Special Council meeting decided to form an independent inquiry to examine these grievances, although the terms of reference for this investigation have yet to be established. The report from the independent inquiry was scheduled to be delivered at the Council Meeting in November 2024, but this now appears unlikely. The unions are contending that the delays are intentional, given that the Council Secretariat operates under the Vice Chancellor.
The unions are demanding the suspension of the Vice Chancellor to facilitate a thorough and unhindered investigation. Mr. Chaudhry pointed out that the ongoing dispute at USP has persisted since 2021 and needs to be resolved promptly.
There are serious allegations against the university’s administration, including mismanagement, misuse of authority, irregularities in promotions, and potential corruption. Approximately 150 members from the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS) and the University of the South Pacific Staff Union (USPSU) initiated a strike on Friday, calling for the termination of Vice Chancellor Ahluwalia. The staff are also seeking the reinstatement of AUSPS president Dr. Tamara Osbrne-Nakatini, whose contract was terminated in July after she allegedly spoke to the media about the dispute.
Claims against the Vice Chancellor include severe staff reductions aimed at cost-cutting, which have led to excessive workloads for remaining personnel, and a push for more online courses despite student preference for in-person classes. Currently, over 300 positions remain unfilled.
Additionally, staff members have expressed concerns about the Vice Chancellor’s increase in per diem rates from $200 to $600 for travel to Suva. Although the Council instructed him to relocate to Fiji, the Vice Chancellor has yet to move into the vacant official residence at the Laucala campus, opting instead to reside in costly hotels, according to the unions.
Mr. Chaudhry expressed surprise that, amid the ongoing crisis at USP, the Vice Chancellor and senior management staff are attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa.