Although some students and union members confirm that some tutorials have been affected due to the University of the South Pacific unions’ strike since last Friday, USP claims all lectures and tutorials are proceeding as scheduled.
USP says the claim by the unions that there has been widespread cancellation of classes is blatantly false.
When asked on calls coming in that the tutorials were affected, USP said students are regularly informed of their class schedules, especially as many courses are conducting unit revisions in preparation for Study Week next week.
The University says they can confirm that for any classes affected by the strike involving lecturers or teaching assistants, either teaching for the semester has already concluded or replacement staff have been assigned to continue the classes.
They say they also confirm that all essential services, including the Library, Medical Centre, Student Administrative Services, Counseling, Computer Labs, and ITS, continue to operate without interruption.
USP also says it respects and upholds the right of union members to participate in the strike however, the University subscribes to the legal principle that wages are payable in exchange for work.
It stresses that if union members withdraw their labour and do not provide work, the employer does not pay them.
It adds it remains steadfast in its commitment to students and continues to ensure that there are minimal disruptions to lectures, tutorials and other learning and teaching activities during the ongoing strike by Fiji-based staff.
USP says contrary to media reports, the University’s legal action is directed at the rulings of the Permanent Secretary of Employment, Productivity, and Workplace Relations, not the individual.
It says the University is of the view that the actions taken by the Ministry are wrong in law and is appealing this in accordance with the provisions of the Employment Relations Act.
USP says as previously communicated to students and staff, the USP Special Council Meeting on 24th September 2024 addressed concerns related to human resource decisions.
It says the Council resolved to initiate an independent review (not investigation) of recent HR decisions, with findings to be presented at its November meeting.
USP says Vice Chancellor Pal Ahluwalia, as the head of the regional institution, is currently engaged in official University business across the region.
He is leading the USP delegation at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Apia, Samoa, where USP is actively involved in the opening ceremony, exhibitions, roundtable discussions, and is jointly hosting the ACU Scholarships announcement by King Charles III.
The University says the claim that the Vice Chancellor is on vacation is entirely false.
USP also says it is disheartening to hear union members refer to the Laucala Campus as a "marketplace," particularly given that the facilities rank among the best in the country, offering students a state-of-the-art learning environment.
The University echoes Fiji’s Minister for Education, Aseri Radrodro’s comments that we can and will resolve this matter through dialogue and by following the established processes and procedures of USP and Fiji’s Employment Relations Act.
