Fiji: Suva university strike remains peaceful and contained

On 18 October, staff at the University of the South Pacific (USP) initiated a strike at the Laucala Campus in Suva, Fiji, protesting against Vice-Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia's leadership. The Association of the University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS) and the USP Staff Union (USPSU) led the industrial action, citing mismanagement and poor leadership. The striking staff, numbering around 150 including supportive students, have demanded an investigation, aiming for the findings to be presented at a USP Council meeting in November. Employment Minister Agni Deo Singh proposed voluntary mediation to the striking staff and Prime Minister Rabuka has stated the strike action is within the law. USP has stated that staff participating in the strike would not receive pay for the duration of their absence.

Assessment: All strike action has taken place within the USP grounds in a peaceful atmosphere. The Vice-Chancellor is attending the CHOGM meeting in Samoa and is likely attempting to delay taking any action until after his return in the hope that the strikers abandon their cause. The strikers are unlikely to abandon their cause knowing that they have a measure of acceptance of their actions from the Government. The outcome is likely to require Government intervention to force USP members to mediation.