Hundreds of staff and students at the University of the South Pacific rallied in support of a strike protesting what they describe as ongoing poor leadership at the institution.
The University of the South Pacific Staff Association and the USP Staff Union expressed serious concerns over the findings of a Special Council meeting, which they believe mischaracterized significant grievances as simple HR matters to be addressed, rather than holding Vice Chancellor Pal Ahluwalia accountable.
Participants wore black and white to signify their unity during the strike. This action stems from a secret ballot conducted in August that called for the removal of Vice Chancellor Ahluwalia.
Rosie Fatiaki, President of the USP Staff Association, stated that union members unanimously decided to strike in response to dissatisfaction with the Special Council Meeting’s response. “We hope the Council resolves this matter,” Fatiaki remarked.
The unions assert that Vice Chancellor Ahluwalia must be removed, arguing that no credible investigation can occur while he remains in a position of authority. They find it unacceptable for someone under investigation for leadership failures to continue in such a role, citing this as a significant governance issue.
Fatiaki highlighted that there has been no movement in the investigation, despite the upcoming Council meeting next month. The unions are eager to see progress before that meeting.
“Any investigation should not involve the person being scrutinized in a position of power,” she expressed, adding that nearly four weeks have passed since the last Council meeting without any advancement on the investigation.
The unions have been voicing concerns about Ahluwalia’s management for months, with an independent report on his performance submitted to the Council in November of the prior year.
While they waited patiently for action from the Special Council, the unions deemed the Secretariat’s response as unclear and failing to address the central issue: Ahluwalia’s leadership, which they believe is damaging the University.
Fatiaki noted that their strike is a legitimate industrial action supported by a mandate, with nearly 200 staff participating.
The unions criticized the delays in the investigation, emphasizing that the report was supposed to be presented at the November 2024 Council meeting, and asserted that the process seems to be intentionally manipulated and stalled.
In response, the University acknowledged that staff from the two unions have opted to strike over an issue they believe falls outside the scope of their collective contracts and employment conditions. The University assured that maintaining support for students remains their top priority.