Ilima Finiasi, executive of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Staff Association, has stated that there is a call for the resignation of Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia from all campuses within the region. Finiasi mentioned in an interview that they have been in communication with other unions across the campuses and share the same concerns regarding Professor Ahluwalia’s leadership.
He emphasized that problems associated with the Vice-Chancellor are not confined to the Laucala Campus but are affecting the entire regional institution. In response, the University noted that it employs over 1,300 staff across 12 countries in the region, with the two unions representing only 41 percent of the total workforce. The USP reported that unofficial figures indicated that 25 percent of Academic and Professional Staff and 28 percent of Administrative Support Staff voted in favor of the strike proposition.
“The University acknowledges that the actions of the two unions are taking place in accordance with Fiji’s Employment Relations Act,” the statement indicated. On Wednesday, a secret ballot conducted over four hours at Laucala campus concluded with 95 percent of USP staff in Fiji supporting the strike action.
The Association of USP Staff (AUSPS), which represents academic and research staff, experienced a 61 percent turnout with 96 percent voting in favor of the strike, while the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPSU), representing administrative and support personnel, reported a turnout exceeding 70 percent with 94 percent in agreement with the strike.
This voting occurred against a backdrop of unresolved issues regarding Professor Ahluwalia’s governance, including significant concerns about his leadership and the recent termination of AUSPS President Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, which AUSPS General Secretary Rosalia Fatiaki labeled as the final straw. Staff members from USP’s centers in Laucala, Lautoka, Labasa, and Savusavu were involved in the voting process.
Additionally, it was recently announced that Professor Ahluwalia’s contract has been extended for another two years, set to conclude in 2026.