The University of the South Pacific (USP) has emphasized the importance of recognizing that the Vice-Chancellor and President is appointed by the USP Council, which includes representatives from all 12 member countries.
In a recent statement, USP announced that it was informed by Fiji’s Office of the Registrar of Trade Unions that two Fiji-based staff unions have been approved to conduct a secret ballot regarding the removal of the Vice-Chancellor and President at the Fiji Campuses.
The USP Council reaffirmed its support for the Vice-Chancellor and President (VCP) during its 96th meeting held in November of last year, renewing his contract for an additional two years. The VCP has recently started his new term and has returned to Laucala, Fiji, to resume his duties.
USP acknowledged that the actions taken by the two unions are being carried out in accordance with Fiji’s Employment Relations Act (ERA). The university highlighted that, among its 1,300 staff members across 12 regional countries, those involved in the two unions represent only 41% of the total workforce.
Unofficial figures indicate that approximately 25% of Academic and Professional Staff, and 28% of Administrative and Support Staff voted in support of the proposition. Despite these figures, USP management remains dedicated to maintaining constructive and good-faith dialogue to address legitimate staff concerns following the processes and procedures set forth by its Council and the employment laws of member countries.
The university is confident in its ability to challenge the claims and actions of the two unions, which it believes have included misleading and untrue elements, in accordance with the ERA and relevant legal processes.
The Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Ahluwalia, along with USP management, is focused on prioritizing the welfare and needs of students and the interests of member countries during this period.