Members of the University of the South Pacific Staff Union who are currently on strike have been asked to return to work following a directive from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. He instructed Education Minister Aseri Radrodro to convene a council meeting.
Union president Reuben Colata expressed optimism for a positive resolution, noting that the Prime Minister’s intervention signals the Government’s willingness to address the ongoing issues. He mentioned that the regular visits and assurances from political parties and the Fiji Teachers Association have been encouraging.
Colata indicated that with the recent communication urging staff to return to their roles, he is hopeful that Minister Radrodro will fulfill his responsibilities. He emphasized the need for concrete actions following the Prime Minister’s call for the council to expedite the investigation involving Professor Pal Ahluwalia.
“We have observed some potential openings,” he said. He added that students have been supportive of the staff, as they recognize the challenges faced at the University.
The union leader highlighted that the future of the strike hinges on the outcomes of the upcoming council meeting. If the results are unsatisfactory, the union will engage in dialogues with its members to decide whether to continue the strike, which has a valid mandate until February 14, 2025.
“If there are no developments, we will consult with our members to gauge their preferences regarding the continuation of the strike,” Colata stated. He expressed hope that there would be progress following the Prime Minister’s instructions, stating, “We will wait to see what unfolds in the coming week.”
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