The University of the South Pacific has announced plans to take legal action against the decisions made by the Permanent Secretary of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations regarding the strike actions of both USP Unions. An email confirmed by FijiLive indicated that the university has warned staff participating in the strike that they will not receive pay for the duration of their protest.
The communication stated, “Employees who are members of either union and do not report to work or maintain their usual office hours, without previously approved leave, will be presumed to be on strike.” Furthermore, it noted that, aside from verified emergencies, leave applications for staff would not be granted due to the significant impact the strike has on university operations.
USP has communicated that the issues in question are considered by management to be outside the boundaries of their existing collective contracts and employment terms. The university emphasized that supporting students remains their top priority and they will work to minimize service disruptions.
FijiLive is currently seeking a response from the Ministry of Employment.