USP Staff Union Members Raise Questions

The University of the South Pacific union members are questioning why they are not being consulted by union management.

The comments in the continuing USP saga come as statements were made on current issues surrounding the regional university and before the letter requesting the Fijian government to resume its grant was written to Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

A chain of emails to the Association of The University of the South Pacific Staff (AUSPS) which was sent to the Fiji Sun showed unhappy union members airing their concerns about the lack of consultations and the manner in which Vice Chancellor Professor Pal Ahluwalia has spoken about the university’s Research department.

The emails

Among the emails, Research fellow (Climate Change, Food Security, Disaster Risk Management) Viliamu Lese called for consideration in the way issues were addressed and urged staff to exercise due diligence.

“While I respect the need to advocate for USP staff outside of USP, I strongly feel it is also very important to look within our own processes and especially how the sudden change of practices and processes affect all staff,” Mr Lese wrote.

“Especially there is not enough time, awareness or grace period given for adjustments during the change of practices.

“Once again, we are all hurting here, let’s not react by hurting more people and “eat each other” as it will create more division.”

Senior lecturer Cresantia Koya-Vaka’uta said: “I just want to remind everyone that the Research office is made up of more than one man and regardless of people’s views about that one man. We MUST NOT lose sight of the fact that the RII portfolio covers a big team of workers who by this dirty political game that we are now happily playing, are being called out as incompetent.

“I take great offense to this as I have a great regard for the team at the research office and the international office.

“They are a team comprised of professional and I&J (intermediate and junior) staff.

“Are we calling them all out as incompetent?”

Response

When questioned yesterday Union Representative Elizabeth Fong said the association’s focus was to get the University back on track of good governance.

“We will not be diverted from this cause by anyone, least of all the Fiji Sun which has done nothing to present a balanced account of the challenges brought about by the Pro Chancellor and former VC/P.”

Edited by Ranoba Baoa

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