The University of the South Pacific has reaffirmed its dedication to students during the ongoing strike involving Fiji-based staff, ensuring that disruptions to lectures, tutorials, and other educational activities are kept to a minimum. In a recent statement, the university confirmed that all lectures and tutorials are continuing as planned.
It rejected claims made by unions regarding widespread class cancellations, describing these assertions as entirely false. The university stated that all essential services, such as the Library, Medical Centre, Student Administrative Services, Counseling, Computer Labs, and Information Technology Services, are functioning without any interruptions.
While the university acknowledges the right of union members to participate in the strike, it emphasizes the legal principle that wages are earned in exchange for work. The university stated, “If union members withdraw their labor and do not provide work, the employer does not pay them.”
Furthermore, the university indicated that it is pursuing legal action regarding a ruling made by the Permanent Secretary of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations, asserting that the actions from the Ministry are legally flawed and that it is appealing this matter in accordance with the Employment Relations Act.
Additionally, the university’s council has decided to launch an independent review of recent human resources decisions, with the results to be presented at its meeting in November. The University of the South Pacific aligned itself with calls from Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro, advocating for a resolution through dialogue and adherence to both the university’s established processes and Fiji’s Employment Relations Act.