USP to offer five-year staff contracts [1]
Wednesday, May 4, 2016 - 18:49. Updated on Sunday, May 8, 2016 - 20:13.
The University of the South Pacific (USP) plans to roll out five-year employment contracts instead of three years, USP Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Rajesh Chandler told staff at their first staff forum for the year on 25 April.
The change in contract terms is just one of many that will be implemented at the university.
“I want to ensure that this happens either towards the end of this year or early next year so we can deal with the inadequacies of three year contracts," Prof. Chandler said, and added that the probationary period would also change when the long-term contracts are finalised.
“We also want to agree on good probation arrangement when we move to longer terms to protect both parties,” he said.
Prof. Chandler said that management was working on finalising the agreements with unions and staff representatives, “so that all of us have clear paths to where we are heading”.
At the Forum, the professor stressed that staff at all levels should place more emphasis on working together and engaging with each other.
"Staff constitute our main focus because without you we cannot deliver anything. We are together on this inclusive and shared journey.”
USP will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2018.