Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) has expressed its firm stand with Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA) calling for immediate dialogue to avert a strike and call extra ordinary meeting.
SICTU President Tony Kagovai on Friday announced SICTU strong support for the 28-day strike notice issued by the teachers association to the National Government, specifically the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD).
Mr Kagovai stated that SICTU recognizes that SINTA’s decision to issue this notice stems from unresolved grievances regarding critical omissions in the new Education Act and the Teachers’ Scheme of Service.
These issues directly impact the welfare, professional recognition, and working conditions of our nation’s educators – the backbone of our future.
SICTU president appeals to SINTA and MEHRD to immediately revisit their consultation notes and negotiation records from the discussions leading to the new Education Act.
“It is critically important that both parties return to the table with sincerity to address the substantive concerns that remain unresolved spells clearly in the strike notice,” he said.
Some of these issues include; teachers re-leveling exercise, teachers contracts, payback of teachers package backdated to 2013, education provider as employer contribute in supporting to their teachers welfare not adequately provided for in the new scheme of service, discrepancies in teachers clarification, Recognize teachers serving in ECE, TVTET, special Need schools as full time teachers, address for improvement teachers various allowances and incentive, annual leaves, long service benefit, housing allowance and others.
Further, SICTU president urgently calls on the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) to invoke its leadership oversight and coordinate a high-level dialogue between SINTA, MEHRD, and relevant government stakeholders.
The issues raised in the strike notice are of national significance and require the PMO’s direct intervention to facilitate a fair, transparent, and expedited resolution process.
“While SICTU and all its affiliate unions stand in full solidarity with SINTA’s legitimate demands and support the strike notice as a necessary step, we simultaneously emphasize the paramount importance of dialogue.
“Industrial action remains a last resort. We believe a negotiated settlement that addresses the core concerns of our teachers is achievable and in the best interest of our students, our education system, and the nation.”
SICTU urges all parties to act with urgency, responsibility, and a shared commitment to finding a positive resolution that honours the contributions of Solomon Islands’ teachers and secures a sustainable future for the education sector.
Meanwhile, SICTU is calling an urgent meeting this week to amongst other matter receive presentation from general secretaries of Solomon Islands Nurses Association (SINA) and Solomon Islands Public employees union (SIPEU) ongoing and outstanding issues with PMO and ministry of public service and ministry of medical and health services.
General Secretary of workers Union Solomon islands (WUSI) will update the council on ongoing issue with SIPA and others.
