The University of the South Pacific has not yet addressed the requests from two staff unions demanding the immediate removal of Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Pal Ahluwalia. The strike initiated by members of the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff and the USP Staff Union continues today.
Last Friday, more than 200 staff members protested outside the Vice-Chancellor’s Office, calling for his removal due to unresolved issues regarding his leadership, including significant governance problems and the recent dismissal of AUSPS President Dr. Tamara Osbourne-Naikatini.
In response, USP plans to pursue legal action against the Permanent Secretary of Employment concerning the strike action. Additionally, the university has warned striking staff that they will not receive payment for the duration of the protest. Meanwhile, Professor Pal Ahluwalia is reportedly out of the country.