The University of the South Pacific Staff Association has decided to pursue strike action aimed at the removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia.
During a four-hour secret ballot held at the Laucala campus, concluding at 4 PM yesterday, an overwhelming 95 percent of USP staff in Fiji expressed their support for the strike. The Academic and Research Staff Association (AUSPS), which represents academic and research personnel, reported a turnout of 61 percent, with 96 percent in favor of the strike. Similarly, the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPSU), which represents administrative and support staff, recorded a turnout exceeding 70 percent, with 94 percent supporting the action.
The vote stems from ongoing grievances related to Ahluwalia’s leadership, notably severe governance concerns and the recent termination of AUSPS President Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, which AUSPS General Secretary Rosalia Fatiaki labeled as the tipping point. Staff members from USP’s centers in Lautoka, Labasa, and Savusavu also participated in the voting process.
The Ministry of Employment supervised the voting, and official results along with formal endorsement will be revealed shortly. Professor Ahluwalia’s contract was recently renewed for another two-year term, which will conclude in 2026.