The Fiji Labour Party has raised concerns about the prolonged delay in addressing longstanding staff grievances at the University of the South Pacific (USP), which has led to a standoff between USP management and its unions.
Labour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry visited the striking USP staff and emphasized that the unions’ claims are valid, supported by an independent report presented to the USP Council in November 2023 regarding the performance of Vice Chancellor Pal Ahluwalia.
A Special Council meeting in September 2024 had agreed to establish an independent inquiry to investigate the issues, yet the terms of reference for this inquiry have not been finalized. The report from this independent inquiry, which was expected to be submitted to the Council in November 2024, is no longer anticipated. The unions allege that the delay is intentional, given that the Council Secretariat is under the purview of the Vice Chancellor.
The unions are calling for the suspension of the Vice Chancellor to facilitate an unobstructed independent investigation. Chaudhry noted that the dispute at USP has persisted since 2021 and needs to be resolved promptly.
There have been serious allegations of mismanagement, abuse of power, promotions irregularities, and potential corruption. Approximately 150 members of the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS) and members of the University of the South Pacific Staff Union (USPSU) initiated a strike demanding the dismissal of Vice Chancellor Ahluwalia. They are also seeking the reinstatement of AUSPS president Dr. Tamara Osborne-Nakatini, whose contract was terminated in July, allegedly for discussing the USP dispute with the media.
The allegations against the Vice Chancellor include downsizing the staff to cut costs, creating additional workloads for remaining employees, and advocating for an increase in online courses despite students’ preference for in-person classes. Over 300 positions are unfilled, leading to further concerns among staff.
Additionally, staff members have questioned the significant increase in the per diem rate from $200 to $600 that the Vice Chancellor has granted himself. Despite directives from the Council to relocate to Fiji, the Vice Chancellor has not moved into the official residence at the Laucala campus, which remains unoccupied, opting instead for stays in luxury hotels, according to union claims.
Chaudhry expressed surprise that, amid the ongoing crisis at USP, the Vice Chancellor and senior management are currently in Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).