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 to USP staff, shared by sources, indicated that the university’s executive director for People’s and Workplace Strategy, Agnes Kotoisuva, has suggested such measures.
Kotoisuva informed staff 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 issues that university management believes fall outside existing collective contracts and employment conditions. She stated that the university intends to pursue legal action in response to the rulings made by the Permanent Secretary.
The unions have voiced their demand for the resignation of Professor Pal Ahluwalia, USP’s vice-chancellor and president, following concerns raised during a recent Special Council meeting. They argue that the focus should be on scrutinizing Professor Pal’s leadership rather than solely addressing human resources matters.
Minister for Employment Agni Deo Singh has not yet provided any comments on the situation. Reuben Colata, the general secretary and spokesperson for USPU, criticized the university’s consideration of legal action, stating that such moves against the Permanent Secretary would be effectively taking the government to court. He emphasized that the government is the primary financial supporter of the university and expressed hopes for a resolution grounded in common sense.
Questions sent to the university have not been answered by the time of publication.