The University of the South Pacific (USP) is considering legal action against Jone Maretino Nemani, the Permanent Secretary for Employment, Productivity and Workplace Relations. An email sent to USP staff by Agnes Kotoisuva, the executive director for People’s and Workplace Strategy, indicated this potential move.
Kotoisuva noted that the University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPSU) and the Association of USP Staff (AUSPS) have announced a strike scheduled for Friday, October 18, 2024, over issues that university management believes fall outside their collective agreements. She mentioned that the university is taking appropriate legal steps regarding the decisions made by the Permanent Secretary.
The unions are demanding the resignation of Professor Pal Ahluwalia, the vice-chancellor and president of USP, citing dissatisfaction with his leadership as outlined in the outcomes of a recent Special Council meeting. They argue that concerns about his leadership should be prioritized over human resources issues.
Agni Deo Singh, the Minister for Employment, has not yet responded to the situation. Reuben Colata, the general secretary for USPU and spokesperson for the union strike, criticized the university’s consideration of legal action. He expressed concern that taking legal action against the Permanent Secretary could mean the university is suing the government, which is a significant contributor to its funding.
Colata stated, “For the university to take the Fiji Government to court, we just don’t know what is behind this, I hope good sense prevails.” Questions sent to the university regarding the matter have not received a response as of the publication of this article.