Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has stated that the striking members of the University of the South Pacific (USP) staff unions have followed all required procedures. This is the first official response from the government following the walkout by the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPU) and the Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) last Friday.
The USP, along with Minister for Education Aseri Radrodro and Minister for Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations Agni Deo Singh, has not yet commented on the strike taking place at the Laucala Campus.
Mr. Rabuka informed that he has given Mr. Radrodro the authority to convene a meeting of the USP Council. He noted, “The USP Staff union is in compliance with the provisions and procedures for a strike as set out in the Employment Relations Act 2007.” He further mentioned that student support services at the Laucala Campus are functioning normally, thanks to non-union staff and some union members who opted not to participate in the strike.
Additionally, Mr. Rabuka has authorized the Education Minister to arrange a meeting for the USP Council to discuss the claims made by the USP Staff unions.
Last Thursday, Agnes Kotoisuva, executive director for People’s and Workplace Strategy at USP, indicated in an email to staff that the university might pursue legal action regarding the decisions made by the Permanent Secretary of Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations.
The unions’ concerns arise from the results of a recent Special Council meeting, which they believe focused solely on human resources issues, overlooking the leadership problems concerning Vice-Chancellor Pal. They have also raised issues regarding inadequate leadership structure at the university and the alleged wrongful termination of USP biologist Professor Tamara Osborne-Naikatini in July.