The Fiji Labour Party is raising concerns about the slow progress 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 stated that the unions’ claims are validated by an independent report presented to the USP Council in November 2023 regarding Vice Chancellor Pal Ahluwalia’s performance. Chaudhry visited the striking staff and was updated on the ongoing situation.
In September 2024, a Special Council meeting agreed to initiate an independent inquiry into these matters, yet the terms of reference for this inquiry have not been finalized. Originally, the independent inquiry report was scheduled to be delivered at the Council Meeting in November 2024, but that may no longer be feasible. Unions suspect that the delay is intentional since the Council Secretariat is under the Vice Chancellor’s authority.
The unions are calling for the Vice Chancellor to be suspended while the independent investigation is carried out without interference. Chaudhry emphasized that the issues at USP have persisted since 2021 and need urgent resolution.
Serious allegations of mismanagement, misuse of office, promotion irregularities, and potential corruption have been raised. Approximately 150 members of the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS) and some from the University of the South Pacific Staff Union (USPSU) participated in a strike last Friday, demanding Vice Chancellor Ahluwalia’s removal.
The strikers are also calling for the reinstatement of AUSPS president Dr. Tamara Osborne-Nakatini, whose contract was terminated in July after she reportedly spoke to the media regarding the ongoing dispute.
Concerns against the Vice Chancellor include staff cuts leading to increased workloads for remaining employees and the push for more online courses despite student preference for in-person classes. There are reportedly over 300 unfilled positions at the university.
Additionally, staff have expressed dissatisfaction over the Vice Chancellor’s increase in per diem rates from $200 to $600 for Suva. Although he was ordered to relocate to Fiji, the Vice Chancellor has not occupied the official residence at the Laucala campus, which remains unoccupied, choosing instead to stay in costly hotels, according to union claims.
Chaudhry noted his surprise at the presence of the Vice Chancellor and senior management at CHOGM in Samoa amid the ongoing crisis at USP.