The Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS) has called for an immediate change in leadership of the institution.
The call by AUSPS general secretary Rosalia Fatiaki was highlighted at a press briefing after a secret ballot on potential strike action at the Laucala Campus.
Ms Fatiaki expressed dissatisfaction with the conduct of USP’s vice-chancellor and president, Professor Pal Ahluwalia.
The call for leadership change follows recent contentious events, including the termination of biology lecturer Dr Tamara Osborne-Naikatini.
Dr Osborne-Naikatini was dismissed over allegations of “gross conduct” after reportedly discussing confidential details regarding Prof Ahluwalia’s contract renewal review in an interview with Islands Business magazine. Additionally, Ms Fatiaki said the AUSPS had ongoing grievances related to salary adjustments and fair treatment of staff.
She said the current action stemmed from a union meeting held weeks prior where a motion was passed to pursue strike action.
“So, today we have the approval to have the secret ballot, and should we have the mandate to the issue, which is the removal of the vice chancellor and president of USP, we will proceed to the next course of action.
“But the mandate from the secret ballot will give us that next move.”
Ms Fatiaki said for the strike action to proceed, more than 50 per cent of the union’s Fiji-based members, totalling 560, must support it.
“We expected better, the union has continuously tried to engage to consult with the management to resolve these issues.
“But it seems like we are talking to the wall.”
The AUSPS is now awaiting a response from the Education Minister, to whom a letter was sent nearly two weeks ago.
