University Of Fiji Students Warn Of Strike As Row Escalates

University of Fiji students have given management an ultimatum that they will strike if their grievances are not resolved in three days.

In an email response, acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Narendra Reddy said: “Please do not write threatening emails to us. We do not operate under duress. We will consider and address the issues raised by you and communicate with you.”

The exchange has plunged the university into a deepening crisis that started with the dispute between management and the academic staff over a controversial directive for them to clock-in and clock-out.

Late yesterday afternoon frantic efforts were being made to continue dialogue between management and the University of Fiji Students Association in a bid to avert a strike. The association has also threatened to go to the Fiji Higher Education Commission and the Government to press its demands.

Its president Ratu Sailosi Naimoqe Dawai, university chair Anil Tikaram and Professor Reddy had not responded to questions sent to them when this edition went to press. It is understood they were busy in meetings.

The students have started what they call a Black Ribbon Movement to symbolise their struggle.

If they do not get what they want by tomorrow, they will carry out their threats. They have warned the university against victimising any student joining the movement.

Some of the issues at the centre of the student row include:

• Collection of student fee arrears. A total of $5 million is owed by students.The students claim at an earlier meeting it was decided that their arreas would not be lumped together with their current tuition. The arreas would be cleared by December 2019.  But the university said students with arrears must pay up by November 1 this year. The students had asked to pay for their tuition in installements. But the university said students who are able to able to pay their semester one fees will not be allowed to enroll for second semester. The fee arrears have concerned the commission and Government funding had been withheld. As a result, the university had planned austerity measures like a freeze on all staff increments, promotions, new appointments, benefits and allowances. The staff reportedly protested the decision, calling it victimization. Some stated that the financial position of the university was the University Council’s fault but, instead, the staff were being asked to sacrifice what was owed to them by the university.
• Higher cafeteria prices at Saweni in Lautoka
• Lecturers not turning up to teach

Meanwhile, the staff association and management will attend a mediation meeting on February 28 in Lautoka.

The mediation was ordered by the Permanent Secretary for Employment after a court ruled a stay of action by the university and ordered both parties to follow the due processes.

In another development, the next VC is likely to be an expatriate. It is understood that a Professor Sushill Chang from the Cardiff Metropolitan University in Wales has been selected. If she accepts the job offer she will become the ninth VC since UniFiji was set up in 2004. She will replace Professor Prem Misir of Guyana who resigned amid drama in senior management.

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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