54 workers of the University of the South Pacific’s Properties and Facilities section have been made redundant.
USP confirms that Monday was the last day of work for staff of its Properties and Facilities section.
Of the 77 staff, 16 were considered for redeployment to the new Properties and Facilities structure while 54 accepted the redundancy package.
The university says since the beginning of the restructure process six months ago, seven staff have received offers from other companies and institutions.
USP says the provisions of the Employment Relations laws and the agreements with the unions were complied with in this process.
Vice‑President Regional Campuses and Properties and Facilities, Doctor Giulio Paunga confirms that approximately half a million dollars was paid out earlier this week.
The new structure will focus on the section’s core functions and activities, while the non‑core activities will be outsourced.
He says the section will be replaced by a new Estates and Infrastructure Division that separates service delivery and operations from asset strategy and management that has a clear focus on strategic infrastructure planning and development, alignment with the learning and research, and sustainability, among others.
