Staff at the University of the South Pacific (USP) have decisively voted in favor of strike action, a significant move in their efforts to remove Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Pal Ahluwalia.
In a 4-hour secret ballot ending at 4 pm at its Laucala campus today, 95% of USP staff in Fiji supported the strike. The Association of USP Staff (AUSPS), representing academic and research staff, saw a 61% turnout with 96% voting for the strike. The University Staff and Support Staff Union (USPSU), covering administrative and support staff, also showed strong backing, with over 70% turnout and 94% in favour.
The vote follows unresolved grievances about Ahluwalia’s leadership, including serious governance issues and the recent dismissal of AUSPS President Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini, which AUSPS General Secretary Rosalia Fatiaki described as the final straw.
Staff at USP’s centers in Lautoka, Labasa, and Savusavu participated in the vote. The Ministry of Employment oversaw the process and will announce official results and formal endorsement soon.
Professor Ahluwalia’s contract was recently extended for a two-year term, ending in 2026.
