Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu is urging the Fiji Government to take immediate action to resolve the ongoing standoff between the University of the South Pacific (USP) and two of its staff unions. In comments made to FijiLive, Seruiratu emphasized that the government must not remain passive and allow the future of the country’s youth and the region to be compromised.
He highlighted the importance of decisive leadership during this critical time. Seruiratu insisted that USP should continue to be a prominent institution that fosters the development of leaders for the Pacific Islands and beyond. He also supported the calls from the Association of USP Staff and the University of the South Pacific Staff Union for Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia to step down temporarily while investigations into the staff demands take place, labeling this request as “not unreasonable.”
The conflict between the two unions and USP management has persisted for five days, and Seruiratu noted the seriousness of the situation, particularly as it coincides with important assessments for students attending USP. He attributed the stand-off to long-standing tensions between the organization and its staff, suggesting that many of the issues could have been avoided if USP had taken time to address employee complaints.
Seruiratu expressed concern over a recent statement from USP management that characterized the strike as related to matters outside their collective contracts and employment conditions. He recommended that USP management seek help from the Council if they are unable to resolve the disputes raised by the striking employees, as the Council is responsible for appointing the Vice Chancellor.
He stressed that the ongoing dispute should not hinder the education of students and that the serious allegations made by the staff association warrant thorough investigation. Seruiratu concluded by asserting that if it is true that the employment contracts of skilled academics at USP are not being renewed, this requires urgent attention from all parties involved.
FijiLive has reached out to Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro and USP for their responses.