The University of the South Pacific has reaffirmed its commitment to its students, emphasizing that it is working to minimize disruptions to lectures, tutorials, and other educational activities amidst the ongoing strike by staff based in Fiji.
In a recent statement, the university confirmed that all lectures and tutorials are continuing as planned. It asserted that claims made by unions regarding widespread class cancellations are completely inaccurate, noting that critical services such as the Library, Medical Centre, Student Administrative Services, Counseling, Computer Labs, and ITS are operating without interruptions.
The university stated its respect for union members’ rights to strike but maintained that wages are earned through work. “If union members withdraw their labor and do not provide work, the employer is not obligated to compensate them,” the statement said.
Furthermore, the university is pursuing legal action regarding the ruling made by the Permanent Secretary of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations, asserting that the actions taken by the Ministry are legally erroneous and that they are appealing this decision in accordance with the Employment Relations Act.
The University Council has decided to initiate an independent review of recent human resources decisions, with the findings expected to be presented at their November meeting. The University also expressed support for Minister of Education Aseri Radrodro’s call for resolution through dialogue and adherence to USP’s established processes and Fiji’s Employment Relations Act.