The University of the South Pacific (USP) has emphasized the importance of its Vice-Chancellor and President being appointed by the USP Council, which includes representatives from all 12 member nations.
In a recent announcement, USP stated that they received notification from Fiji’s Office of the Registrar of Trade Unions, which granted approval for two Fiji-based staff unions to conduct a secret ballot regarding the removal of the Vice-Chancellor and President at the university’s Fiji Campuses.
The university highlighted that during the council’s 96th meeting in November of the previous year, reaffirmation of support for the Vice-Chancellor and President occurred, resulting in a two-year contract renewal. The Vice-Chancellor has begun his new term and returned to Laucala, Fiji, to continue his responsibilities from the official residence.
USP acknowledged that the actions taken by the two unions are being executed under the guidelines specified in Fiji’s Employment Relations Act (ERA). The university pointed out that among more than 1,300 staff members spread across its 12 regional countries, the two unions represent only 41% of the total workforce.
Moreover, unofficial estimates indicate that the supporters of the proposition constitute 25% of Academic and Professional Staff and 28% of Administrative and Support Staff. Regardless of these statistics, USP management remains dedicated to maintaining a constructive dialogue that addresses legitimate staff issues in adherence to the established processes and employment laws of the member nations.
The university expressed confidence in its ability to challenge the unions’ claims and actions, which it considers to be partially misleading and inaccurate, following the guidelines set by the ERA and relevant legal frameworks.
Finally, the university reaffirmed that Professor Ahluwalia, the Vice-Chancellor and President, alongside USP Management, is committed to prioritizing the welfare and needs of students as well as the objectives of member countries during this period.