Members of the staff association at the University of the South Pacific have started voting to assess the potential for strike action aimed at the removal of Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia.
AUSPS General Secretary Rosalia Fatiaki reported a strong turnout for the voting in its first hour. She noted that the USP Staff Association had received permission to conduct a secret ballot regarding the proposed strike action focused on Prof Ahluwalia’s removal.
Concerns have been raised about several issues that have been brought before the USP Council but remain unresolved. Fatiaki emphasized that the recent termination of Dr. Osborne-Naikatini was perceived as an act of intimidation, which further fueled the staff’s frustrations over unaddressed grievances.
In light of the termination, staff members have communicated their intentions to the Ministry of Employment and received approval to proceed with the secret ballot. Should the ballot favor the Association, they will formally inform the University of their decision to strike.
FijiLive has sought comments from the University of the South Pacific and will provide updates as the situation develops.