Hundreds of staff and students from the University of the South Pacific participated in a strike today, voicing their dissatisfaction with the university’s leadership. The protest is organized by the Association of the USP Staff and the USP Staff Union, who have expressed concern over the recent conclusions from a Special Council meeting. They believe that serious grievances were incorrectly categorized as minor human resources issues instead of addressing the performance of Vice Chancellor Pal Ahluwalia.
Participants donned black and white attire to symbolize their solidarity during the strike, which stems from a secret ballot conducted in August that indicated a desire for the removal of Vice Chancellor Ahluwalia.
Rosie Fatiaki, President of the Association of the USP Staff, remarked that the unions collectively decided to strike after feeling unaddressed by the Council meeting’s response. Fatiaki emphasized the necessity for Vice Chancellor Ahluwalia to step down to ensure a credible investigation, as his continued presence in the institution is viewed as a substantial governance issue.
She noted that there has been no advancement in the investigation process since the Council last convened nearly four weeks ago, highlighting that the report is due to be presented at the upcoming Council meeting in November. The unions are demanding tangible progress, especially given the implications of managing an organization under investigation.
The unions contend that their concerns regarding the Vice Chancellor’s leadership have been ongoing for months, further supported by an independent performance report submitted to the Council in November of the previous year.
Fatiaki also mentioned that the strike was conducted following proper procedures, asserting that approximately 200 staff members participated in the event. The unions criticized the perceived delays in the investigation process, suggesting that they reflect an intentional effort to obstruct any resolution.
In response, the University acknowledged the strike by Fiji-based staff from the unions, stating that the matter at hand falls outside the agreements outlined in their respective contracts. The university reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing student support during this time.