Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has given the green light for Education Minister Aseri Radrodro to convene a meeting of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Council to discuss the claims put forth by the USP Staff unions. In a statement on social media, Rabuka noted that the Association of USP Staff and the USP Staff Union are adhering to the strike procedures outlined in the Employment Relations Act of 2007.
As the fifth day of the unions’ strike wraps up without a resolution, the Prime Minister reported that all student support services at the USP Laucala Campus are functioning normally, thanks to staff members who are either not part of the union or have opted not to participate in the strike.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu has urged the Government to take firm actions to resolve the deadlock between USP and the two staff unions. He emphasized the importance of addressing the situation for the sake of the children’s future in the region.
Seruiratu also called for the immediate suspension of Vice-Chancellor and USP President Professor Pal Ahluwalia to facilitate an investigation into the unions’ demands. He expressed concern over the seriousness of the situation, especially given that it coincides with a critical assessment period for USP students.
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