Members of the staff unions at the University of the South Pacific (USP) are set to strike today. This decision follows earlier strike votes held in March, where union members expressed grievances about pay increases, changes to promotion policies, and the overwhelming workload faced by teaching staff.
On August 14, the unions voted again to initiate a strike, this time demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia. This move stems from the recent termination of Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, a mid-career academic and president of the unions. During a meeting on Monday, union leaders noted that many longstanding issues had not been resolved.
In an email sent to union members yesterday, the secretariat confirmed plans for the strike, which is scheduled to commence at 8:30 AM today, branded as “Black Friday” for the university.
“The strike is a vital part of our ongoing struggle for improved leadership at USP. It is essential for everyone to show up and support this cause,” the secretariat emphasized. They urged members to unite in demanding the changes they believe are necessary.
The University of the South Pacific Students Association (USPSA) has voiced its concerns regarding the staff decision to strike. They clarified that while some individual members may support the action, the student body as a whole is independent of the strike organizers.
In a statement released yesterday, the university mentioned that the strike relates to issues it views as beyond the scope of existing collective contracts and staff employment conditions. They reiterated that ensuring support for students remains their top priority and committed to minimizing any disruptions to university services.