Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has given the green light to Education Minister Aseri Radrodro to convene a meeting of the University of the South Pacific (USP) Council to discuss the claims raised by the USP staff unions.
In a recent social media statement, Rabuka noted that the Association of USP Staff and the USP Staff Union have adhered to the strike procedures outlined in the Employment Relations Act 2007.
As the fifth day of the unions’ strike concludes without resolution, the Prime Minister mentioned that operations at the USP’s Laucala Campus are continuing smoothly, supported by both non-union staff and union members who have opted not to participate in the strike.
Earlier today, Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu urged the Government to take firm action to resolve the impasse between USP and the staff unions. He emphasized that the Government must not remain passive while the future of students and the region is at stake.
Seruiratu called for immediate suspension of USP Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia to facilitate investigations into the unions’ demands, highlighting the urgency of the situation, especially with student assessments approaching.