Fiji: Suva strikes temporarily end with acceptance on way forward

On 24 October, the two University of the South Pacific (USP) unions put a temporary hold on the strike underway since 18 October. The organisation stated they will return to strike action intermittently if progress on an independent review stalls. The unions are primarily seeking the reinstatement of Dr. Tamara Osborne-Naikatini and the resignation of the Vice Chancellor. On 25 October, students marched to protest the Vice Chancellor’s management of infrastructure, resource allocation, and governance of teacher performance. 

Assessment: The unions are highly likely to have ended their strike due to Government action to ensure the USP continues to progress the independent investigation and the need to prepare students for imminent exams. Strikes are likely to restart over the coming months if progress on the investigation is not communicated clearly to the unions. Strikes and student protests have been peaceful with the action mostly contained to USP grounds.