Solomon Islands Peoples Human Rights Advocacy Association (SIPHRAA) has called on Levers Solomon Ltd (LSL) and Levukal Trust Board (Inc) to settle the redundancy and entitlement claims of non-striking workers of Russell Islands Plantation Estate Limited (RIPEL), before issuing any eviction notice.
Speaking to the Solomon Star in response to an eviction notice issued by the company to the striking workers Secretary General to SIPHRAA Buddywickams Noamasahu said the rights of non-striking workers of RIPEL cannot be denied, and they cannot be terminated as well, because Trade Dispute Panel (TDP) had ruled in year 2005 that it is not right for workers to be terminated, despite their judgment the strike was illegal.
He pointed out that SIPHRAA will always argue on the rights of grieving employees, whom are indigenous people of this country.
“For any foreigner speaks under the authority of Levers must be mindful of the rights of the innocent employees of RIPEL, whom were affected by the actions of the striking workers.
Noamasahu further stated that the High Court order being referred to in the notice by the Legal Council to Levers Solomon Ltd and Levukal Trustboard dated 26th May 2016 must be served to the parties concerned, as it is the right approach to take rather than bothering public via print media with notice that should been hand delivered to the non striking workers of RIPEL.
He revealed that about 170 employees of RIPEL were not part of the strike and they remain as labours to the company until today, although the operation was halted.
“These 170 non striking workers of RIPEL are still waiting for the company to attend to their concerns regarding their employment status,” he asserted.
He added the company cannot sweep their grievances under the carpet, but must address the redundancy and entitlements of these non-striking employees.
By AATAI JOHN