Members of the University of the South Pacific’s two staff unions are set to strike today. The unions had voted to take this action back in March due to concerns over pay increases, changes to promotion policies, and the heavy workloads faced by teaching staff.
Five months later, on August 14, the unions held a second vote to strike, this time demanding the removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia. This decision was influenced by the recent firing of Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, a mid-career academic and the president of the unions.
In a meeting held on Monday, the unions expressed frustration over unresolved longstanding issues. Following this, an email was sent to all union members confirming that the strike would commence at 8:30 AM today. The unions are referring to this day as “Black Friday” at USP.
“This strike is a vital step in our ongoing struggle for improved leadership at USP. Your participation and support are essential for amplifying our demands,” stated the union secretariat. “Let’s unite and insist on the changes we deserve.”
However, the University of the South Pacific Students Association (USPSA) voiced its concerns about the planned strike. In a statement, they noted that while some individual members supported the strike, the student body remains independent from the organizing groups behind it.
The university responded by saying that the strike pertains to issues the management considers beyond the scope of their collective agreements and employment conditions. “Our primary focus during this time is to support our students, and we will do our best to minimize any service disruptions,” the university stated.