Members of the University of the South Pacific (USP) staff faced a difficult choice between participating in a strike or receiving their wages. The University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPU) and the Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) initiated the strike on Friday, demanding the resignation of the university’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia.
The staff’s concerns arose from a recent council meeting that they felt inadequately addressed the issues related to the university’s leadership. Over 200 employees from the Laucala Campus attended the peaceful protest, knowing that participating could impact their paychecks.
An email sent by Agnes Kotoisuva, USP’s executive director for People and Workplace Strategy, informed staff members that those on strike would not receive payment for that period. She stated, “Staff members who are on strike will not be paid for the period they are on strike.” She also noted that any staff who do not report to work without prior-approved leave would be considered to be on strike.
Kotoisuva added that new leave applications would not be accepted unless they were for verified emergencies, citing the impact of the strike on university operations.
USPU general secretary Reuben Colata and AUSPS general secretary Rosalia Fatiaki criticized the university’s position. Fatiaki urged union members not to be dissuaded, emphasizing that striking is their right. Attempts to obtain comments from the university or Kotoisuva were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.