The University of the South Pacific (USP) is contemplating legal action against Jone Maretino Nemani, the Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations. An email sent to USP staff from Agnes Kotoisuva, the executive director for People’s and Workplace Strategy, indicated this possibility.
Kotoisuva noted that the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPSU) and the Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) plan to strike on October 18, 2024, over matters that the university believes fall outside their collective contracts and employment conditions. She stated that the university intends to take appropriate legal measures regarding the rulings from the Permanent Secretary.
The unions are demanding the resignation of Professor Pal Ahluwalia, USP’s vice-chancellor and president, connecting their grievances to the results of a recent Special Council meeting. They argue that concerns regarding his leadership should be prioritized over issues related to human resources.
Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh has not yet provided any comments on this situation. Reuben Colata, general secretary and spokesperson for the USPU, has criticized the university’s consideration of legal action.
Colata remarked, “They said they will take legal action against the ministry. By pursuing this legal route, the university would essentially be taking the Government to court, which is the main financial supporter of this institution and its largest campus.”
He expressed confusion over the university’s intentions in this matter and hoped for a resolution that benefits all parties involved. Questions directed to the university regarding this issue remained unanswered as of the time of reporting.