The University of the South Pacific has announced its intention to pursue legal action against the decisions made by the Permanent Secretary of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations regarding strike actions taken by its unions.
In a verified email, the university has warned staff participating in the strike that they will not receive pay for the duration of their protest. The communication states, “Staff, who are members of either of the two unions who do not report to work or keep their normal office hours and who are not on prior-approved leave, will be assumed to be on strike.”
Additionally, it indicated that leave applications will be denied except in cases of verified emergencies due to the impact the strike has had on university operations.
The university asserted that the issues in question fall beyond the scope of the employees’ existing collective contracts and employment conditions.
Officials emphasized that prioritizing student support remains their main focus, and they will work to minimize any disruptions to services.
FijiLive has reached out to the Ministry of Employment for comments.