A LARGE number of employees from the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) in Honiara turned out to vote in a secret ballot held at the Trade Dispute Panel’s (TDP) courtroom at Town Ground on Monday.
TDP Chairman Willie Vaiyu said, voting began at 9am and continued until 4pm, with many SIPA workers participating throughout the day.
Mr Vaiyu confirmed that vote counting in Honiara has been completed.
However, he said another round of secret ballot voting is scheduled to be held in Noro, Western Province, before the final results can be announced.
The TDP recently ruled that a secret ballot be conducted to resolve a long-standing recognition dispute between the Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI) and SIPA.
The issue dates back to 2019 when then-SIPA CEO Eranda Kotelawala refused to engage with WUSI on behalf of the workers.
Solomon Star understands SIPA employs around 400 people – 300 of them are based in Honiara and more than 50 in Noro.
Mr Vaiyu explained that the union needs a simple majority to be recognised.
“This means if more than 200 votes are in favour of WUSI representing the employees, the panel will officially grant recognition to the union,” he said.
However, Mr Vaiyu said if the vote does not meet the required threshold, recognition will not be granted and employee welfare will continue to be handled by SIPA’s in-house union.
He added that the Noro vote will be conducted depending on the availability of funds.
Mr Vaiyu emphasised that the TDP has prioritised the matter due to the strategic importance of Ports as one of the country’s key revenue-generating sectors.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Solomon Star, Honiara
Photo caption: SIPA’s former CEO Eranda Kotelawala Kotelawala, left, refused to engage with WUSI on behalf of the workers.
