The University of the South Pacific has reaffirmed its dedication to its students, emphasizing that lectures, tutorials, and other learning activities will continue with minimal interruptions despite the ongoing strike by staff in Fiji.
In an official statement, the university confirmed that all lectures and tutorials are operating as planned. It labeled accusations from unions about widespread class cancellations as misleading, asserting that essential services, including the Library, Medical Centre, Student Administrative Services, Counseling, Computer Labs, and ITS, remain fully functional.
The university acknowledged the right of union members to engage in the strike but emphasized a legal principle that wages are earned through work. “If union members withdraw their labor and do not provide work, the employer does not pay them,” the statement noted.
The University is pursuing legal action regarding the judgment made by the Permanent Secretary of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations, clarifying that it is not targeting individuals but rather contesting what it views as an unlawful action by the Ministry, under the Employment Relations Act.
In addition, USP’s Council has decided to launch an independent review of recent human resources decisions, with results expected to be shared at its November meeting. The university supports calls from Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro for a resolution through dialogue and adherence to established processes and the Employment Relations Act of Fiji.