Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has instructed Education Minister Aseri Radrodro to convene a meeting of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Council to discuss the claims put forward 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 required procedures for a strike according to the Employment Relations Act of 2007.
As the fifth day of the strike by USP unions concludes with no agreement reached, the Prime Minister reported that all student support services at the USP Laucala Campus continue to function normally, thanks to the efforts of both non-union staff and union members who have opted not to participate in the strike.
Earlier, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu urged the Government to take effective action to address the ongoing conflict between USP and the two staff unions. He emphasized that the Government must not remain passive while the future of young people in the region is jeopardized and called for strong leadership in this matter.
Seruiratu also demanded the immediate suspension of Vice-Chancellor and USP President Professor Pal Ahluwalia to enable thorough investigations into the unions’ requests. He expressed concern over the seriousness of the situation, particularly as it coincides with the upcoming assessments for students at USP.
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