Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has tasked Education Minister Aseri Radrodro with convening a meeting of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Council to discuss the claims presented by USP staff unions. In a statement on social media, Rabuka noted that the Association of USP Staff and the USP Staff Union are following the strike procedures outlined in the Employment Relations Act 2007.
As the strike by the USP unions enters its fifth day without any resolution, the Prime Minister confirmed that essential student support services at the USP Laucala Campus continue to operate normally, thanks to both non-union staff and some union members who opted not to participate in the strike.
Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has urged the Government to take decisive action to resolve the ongoing dispute between USP and the staff unions, emphasizing the importance of addressing issues that could impact the future of students and the region. He highlighted the need for strong leadership in this situation and called for the immediate suspension of Vice-Chancellor and USP President Professor Pal Ahluwalia to facilitate an investigation into the unions’ demands. Seruiratu expressed concern over the situation, particularly as it coincides with the upcoming assessments for USP students.