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 advisory sent to USP staff by Agnes Kotoisuva, the executive director for People’s and Workplace Strategy, suggested this course of action.
Kotoisuva noted that the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPSU) and the Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) plan to strike on Friday, October 18, 2024, over matters that the university administration believes are not covered by their collective contracts and employment conditions. She confirmed that the university is preparing legal action against the Permanent Secretary’s recent decisions.
The unions’ demands include the resignation of Professor Pal Ahluwalia, the vice-chancellor and president of the university. Their grievances are rooted in the outcomes of a recent Special Council meeting. The unions argue that Professor Pal’s leadership is more problematic than the concerns surrounding human resources.
Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh has not yet issued a statement regarding the situation. Reuben Colata, general secretary and spokesperson for the striking unions, criticized the university’s intention to pursue legal action. He expressed concern that this decision could lead to a court case against the government, which is a major supporter of the university. Colata emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the university’s motives and urged for rational decision-making.
Inquiries sent to the university for clarification remained unanswered by the time of publication.