The Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff Union (AUSPS) will initiate strike action against Vice Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia tomorrow, as confirmed by the AUSPS Office.
The decision stems from ongoing grievances regarding Ahluwalia’s leadership, which include significant governance concerns and the recent termination of AUSPS President Dr. Tamara Osborne Naikatini. The strike is set to begin at 8:30 AM at the Laucala Campus.
Ilima Finiasi, the executive of the USP Staff Association, stated that there is a widespread call for Ahluwalia’s removal across all campuses in the region. He emphasized that they maintain regular communication with other unions, which share similar sentiments regarding these issues affecting not just the Laucala Campus, but the entire region.
In August, a vote within the association showed overwhelming support for strike action aimed at the Vice Chancellor’s removal, with 95 percent of staff in Fiji backing the decision. Staff members in Lautoka, Labasa, and Savusavu also participated in this vote.
Despite these grievances, Professor Ahluwalia’s contract has been extended for another two years.