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 to USP staff from 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, regarding issues the university management believes fall outside their collective contracts and employment conditions. She emphasized that the university will pursue legal procedures against the decisions made by the Permanent Secretary.
The unions demand the resignation of Professor Pal Ahluwalia, vice-chancellor and president of the university, in light of concerns raised during a recent Special Council meeting. They argue that the focus should be on scrutinizing Professor Pal’s leadership rather than solely on human resources issues.
Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh has yet to provide a statement on the situation. Reuben Colata, general secretary and spokesperson for USPU, criticized the university’s potential legal actions, suggesting that taking the government to court could lead to complications, as the government is the primary contributor to the institution.
Inquiries sent to the university for clarification remained unanswered as of the deadline for this report.