Members of the University of the South Pacific’s two staff unions are set to strike today. The unions initially voted to take this action in March, raising concerns over salary increases, changes to promotion policies, and the heavy workload faced by teaching staff.
After five months, on August 14, the unions voted again to strike, this time demanding the removal of Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia. This decision followed the recent dismissal of Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, a mid-career academic and president of the AUSPS.
At a meeting on Monday, the unions determined that longstanding issues had not been addressed adequately. In an email sent to union members yesterday, the secretariat confirmed the strike will commence at 8:30 a.m. today, labeling the day as “Black Friday” at USP.
The secretariat emphasized the importance of participation, stating, “This strike is a critical step in our ongoing fight for better leadership at USP. Your presence and support are crucial to making our voices heard. Let’s stand together and demand the change we deserve.”
The University of the South Pacific Students Association (USPSA) has expressed concerns about the strike, indicating that while some members may support it, the student body as a whole remains independent from the organizing body of the strike.
In response to the strike, the university noted that the issues involved are seen as outside the scope of the staff’s collective contracts and conditions of employment. The university stated, “During this time, support for our students remains our utmost priority. The university will endeavor to ensure that disruptions to services are minimal.”