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 by members of the Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff and the USP Staff Union is ongoing.
Last Friday, more than 200 USP staff members demonstrated outside the Vice-Chancellor’s office, voicing their call for his removal due to unresolved issues related to his leadership, including significant governance concerns and the recent dismissal of AUSPS President Dr. Tamara Osbourne-Naikatini.
In response to the strike, USP plans to initiate legal action against the ruling made by the Permanent Secretary of Employment regarding the strike. The university has warned its striking staff that they will not receive pay for the duration of their protest.
Additionally, it is reported that Professor Pal Ahluwalia is currently out of the country.