The Fiji Labour Party is raising concerns over the prolonged investigation into longstanding staff grievances at the University of the South Pacific (USP), which has led to a standoff between the university’s management and its unions.
Labour Leader Mahendra Chaudhry, who met with striking USP staff this morning, emphasized that the unions’ claims are 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 planned to initiate an independent inquiry into the issues, but the terms of reference for this inquiry have not yet been finalized. The independent report was expected to be submitted to the Council Meeting in November 2024; however, this now appears unlikely. The unions suspect that the delay is intentional, as the Council Secretariat reports directly to the Vice Chancellor.
The unions are calling for the Vice Chancellor’s suspension to allow the independent investigation to proceed without hindrance.
Chaudhry stated that the dispute at USP has persisted since 2021 and needs to be resolved promptly. Serious allegations have emerged, including mismanagement, abuse of office, irregularities in promotions, and corrupt practices.
Around 150 members of the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS) and some members of the University of the South Pacific Staff Union (USPSU) went on strike on Friday, demanding the termination of Vice Chancellor Ahluwalia. They are also advocating for the reinstatement of AUSPS president Dr. Tamara Osbrne-Nakatini, whose contract was terminated in July after she spoke to the media about the dispute.
Accusations against the Vice Chancellor include workforce reductions aimed at cutting costs, overloading remaining staff with responsibilities, and promoting more online courses despite student preferences for on-campus classes. There are also over 300 vacant positions at the university that require filling.
Staff members have also expressed concerns regarding a significant increase in the per diem rate awarded to the Vice Chancellor, from $200 to $600 for Suva. Despite directives from the Council to relocate to Fiji, the Vice Chancellor has not yet occupied the official residence at the Laucala campus, choosing instead to stay in expensive hotels, according to the unions.
Chaudhry remarked on the surprising presence of the Vice Chancellor and senior management in Samoa for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) amidst the ongoing crisis at USP.
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