The University of the South Pacific Staff Association has approved a strike aimed at the removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia.
In a secret ballot conducted over four hours and concluding at 4 p.m. at the Laucala campus yesterday, a remarkable 95 percent of USP staff in Fiji showed support for the strike. The Association of USP Staff (AUSPS), which represents academic and research staff, reported a turnout of 61 percent, with 96 percent voting in favor.
Additionally, the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPSU), representing administrative and support staff, also demonstrated strong support, with over 70 percent turnout and 94 percent voting for the strike.
This decision comes in response to ongoing grievances regarding Ahluwalia’s leadership, which includes significant governance concerns and the recent termination of AUSPS President Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, an event that AUSPS General Secretary Rosalia Fatiaki deemed as the breaking point.
Staff from USP’s centers in Lautoka, Labasa, and Savusavu took part in the voting process. The Ministry of Employment facilitated the ballot and will release the official results and formal acknowledgment shortly.
Professor Ahluwalia recently had his contract renewed for an additional two years, which will conclude in 2026.