The University of the South Pacific Staff Association has approved a strike action aimed at the removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia. In a secret ballot that lasted four hours and concluded at 4 PM yesterday at the Laucala campus, 95 percent of the university staff in Fiji expressed their support for the strike.
The Association of USP Staff (AUSPS), which represents both academic and research personnel, reported a 61 percent voter turnout, with 96 percent voting in favor of the strike. Similarly, the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPSU), which includes administrative and support staff, also demonstrated strong support, achieving over 70 percent turnout and 94 percent backing for the strike.
This decision follows ongoing grievances related to Ahluwalia’s leadership, which includes serious governance concerns and the recent termination of AUSPS President Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini. AUSPS General Secretary Rosalia Fatiaki indicated that this dismissal was the tipping point for staff members.
Voting also took place at USP’s centers located in Lautoka, Labasa, and Savusavu. The Ministry of Employment supervised the voting process and is expected to announce the official results and provide a formal endorsement soon. Professor Ahluwalia’s contract was recently extended for another two years, set to expire in 2026.