The University of the South Pacific has affirmed its dedication to students by striving to minimize disruptions to classes and learning activities amid the ongoing strike by staff in Fiji. In an official statement, the university confirmed that all lectures and tutorials are continuing as planned.
The university disputed claims from unions regarding widespread class cancellations, labeling them as clearly false. They emphasized that all essential services, including the Library, Medical Centre, Student Administrative Services, Counseling, Computer Labs, and IT Services, remain operational without interruption.
While the university acknowledges the rights of union members to participate in the strike, it maintains that wages are only paid in exchange for work. It stated, “If union members withdraw their labor and do not provide work, the employer does not pay them.”
Furthermore, the university is pursuing legal action based on a ruling from the Permanent Secretary of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations, asserting that the actions taken by the Ministry are legally erroneous. The university plans to appeal this ruling under the Employment Relations Act.
Additionally, the university’s Council has decided to initiate an independent review of recent human resources decisions, with the findings set to be presented at its November meeting. The University aligns with the Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro’s view that the situation should be resolved through dialogue and adherence to established processes and procedures as outlined in Fiji’s Employment Relations Act.