Ilima Finiasi, an executive member of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Staff Association, has stated that Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia must resign, a sentiment echoed by campuses throughout the region.
In remarks made to FijiLive, Finiasi noted ongoing communication with other unions across the USP campuses, all of which share similar concerns regarding Professor Ahluwalia’s leadership. He emphasized that the issues surrounding the Vice-Chancellor are not confined to the Laucala Campus but are impacting the entire university network within the region.
In response to these claims, the University highlighted that it employs over 1,300 staff members across 12 countries in the region, with the two unions representing only 41 percent of the total workforce. The USP acknowledged that unofficial figures indicate that only 25 percent of Academic and Professional Staff and 28 percent of Administrative Support Staff voted in favor of the proposed actions.
The university stated, “The University respects that this action on the part of the two unions concerned is being undertaken under the provisions laid out in Fiji’s Employment Relations Act.”
On Wednesday, a secret ballot concluded at the Laucala campus with 95 percent of participating USP staff in Fiji voting in support of a strike. The Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) reported a 61 percent turnout with 96 percent backing the strike, while the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPSU) recorded a turnout exceeding 70 percent, with 94 percent in favor.
This vote is the result of unresolved complaints regarding Professor Ahluwalia’s leadership, including significant governance problems and the controversial dismissal of AUSPS President Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, which AUSPS General Secretary Rosalia Fatiaki described as the final straw. Staff members from USP’s centers in Laucala, Lautoka, Labasa, and Savusavu participated in the voting process.
Additionally, it was noted that Professor Ahluwalia’s contract was recently extended for another two years, set to expire in 2026.