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 potential move.
Kotoisuva acknowledged that the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPSU) and the Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) are set to strike on Friday, October 18, 2024, over an issue that the university’s management believes falls outside their respective collective contracts and employment conditions.
The unions are demanding the resignation of Professor Pal Ahluwalia, the university’s vice-chancellor and president, in light of complaints stemming from the outcomes of a recent Special Council meeting. They argue that the university’s leadership warrants greater scrutiny than merely human resources issues.
Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh has not yet addressed the situation. Reuben Colata, the general secretary of USPU and the spokesperson for the ongoing strike, has expressed strong disapproval of USP’s consideration of legal action.
Colata remarked that taking legal steps against the Permanent Secretary essentially means taking the government to court, given that the government is the largest contributor to the university. He expressed uncertainty about the university’s motivations for such a move and hopes for a rational resolution.
Inquiries submitted to the university did not receive a response before this report was published.