The University of the South Pacific Staff Association has approved plans for strike action aimed at removing Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia.
In a secret ballot that lasted four hours, concluding at 4 PM at the Laucala campus, 95 percent of USP staff in Fiji expressed their support for the strike. The Association of USP Staff (AUSPS), which represents academic and research personnel, experienced a 61 percent turnout with 96 percent voting in favor of the strike action.
Similarly, the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPSU), representing administrative and support staff, also demonstrated substantial support, with a turnout exceeding 70 percent and 94 percent backing the strike.
This decision follows ongoing concerns about Ahluwalia’s leadership, highlighted by significant governance issues and the recent firing of AUSPS President Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, which AUSPS General Secretary Rosalia Fatiaki labeled as the tipping point.
Staff members from USP centers in Lautoka, Labasa, and Savusavu took part in the voting process. The Ministry of Employment supervised the proceedings and is expected to announce the official results and formal endorsement shortly. Professor Ahluwalia’s contract was recently extended for another two-year term, which will conclude in 2026.