The Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI) has suspended its 28-day strike notice against the Malaita Provincial Government, pending a mandate from the province’s direct employees.
This development follows a formal letter from Malaita Provincial Secretary Eric George Ongoa on Tuesday, 18 March, requesting the withdrawal of the strike notice.
Mr. Ongoa stated that the current Malaita Provincial Executive, along with the Finance and Administration Division, has reviewed the union’s log of claims and is prepared to enter into collective bargaining.
“Our team has agreed to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement to provide a total wage increase of 7% for direct employees of the Malaita Provincial Government, including those serving in Health and Medical Services,” he said.
According to the proposal, the first 3.5% increment will be applied for the 2024/2025 fiscal year and backdated from April 2024 to March 2025. The remaining 3.5% will be scheduled for the 2025/2026 fiscal year.
“This approach considers the fiscal limitations faced by the Malaita Provincial Government, which operates under the Provincial Government Act 1997 and continues to struggle in delivering services to Malaita, the most populated province in the Solomon Islands,” Ongoa explained.
He emphasized that the proposed collective bargaining process promotes mutual understanding and cooperation, and aims to fairly reward workers amid rising living costs.
“We hope, in the spirit of good faith and cooperation, that the Workers Union of Solomon Islands will withdraw the notice of strike action and avoid any work stoppages that could affect our operations,” he added.
In response on Wednesday, 19 March, Barry Samson—writing on behalf of WUSI General Secretary—thanked Malaita Province for its willingness to cooperate in resolving the matter.
“On that basis, we propose that you organize a time and venue for face-to-face negotiations and discussions to address the issues raised in our log of claims,” he said.
Mr. Samson noted that while the union acknowledges the government’s offer, all matters raised will be discussed in detail during the proposed meeting in Auki next week.
“We will address the strike notice during our visit, as the final decision must come from a general meeting with the workers,” he said.
“In the meantime, we will suspend the notice indefinitely until we receive the workers’ mandate,” he added.
