Solomon Islands Council of Trade Union (SICTU) has successfully held its 2nd Council meeting on the 29th August 2024.
SICTU is the umbrella body of the Trade Unions in Solomon Islands and the members of SICTU are:
1. Solomon Islands Public employees union (SIPEU)
2. Solomon Islands Teachers Association (SINTA)
3. Solomon Islands Medical Association (SIMA)
4. Solomon Islands Nursing Association (SINA)
5. Solomon islands Allied Health Association (SIAHA)
6. Solomon Islands Police Officers Association (POA)
7. Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI)
8. Solomon Islands National university lecturer Association
9. Solomon islands National University General Staff Association
10. Solomon islands Correctional Association.
The council was officially opened and addressed by the guest speaker, the Commissioner of Labor, Mr Brown Penuel Pwai.
Commissioner Pwai in his addressing the Council stresses the importance of cooperation and coordination of workers welfare.
Amongst other areas of focus, the Commissioner of Labor stressed the importance of high cooperation between the Government, Enterprises and Trade Unions and Associations representing workers both in Public Sector as well as Private Sector.
Commissioner of Labor also took the opportunity to congratulate and welcome the new President of SICTU Mr Tony Kagovai and the newly appointed National Secretary, Mr Adrian Tuhanuku.
In his remarks, the President reiterated the importance of the role played by the Trade Unions in the country.
Included in those roles are the establishment of Collective Agreements, negotiated and signed with employers in Private Sector and Scheme of Services signed with Public Service and other Government Agencies.
He also reminded the Members of the responsibility they have towards their Employers and the visions Trade Unions have towards development and prosperity.
SICTU President reminded all trade union leaders that workers in both Public and Private Sector still have a long way to go in improving their terms and condition of employment to a comfortable position that reflect the value of their labor.
In his update to the Council, Mr Tuhanuku highlighted that the members of the SICTU are made up of 10 Unions and Associations from the Public Sector and only one single trade union that represent all the workers in the Private Sector.
SICTU National Secretary, Tuhanuku, stressed that the Council is working closely with relevant stakeholders to cover the un-unionized workers especially the Seafarers and Fishermen, Shop keepers including those in auto, wholesale, hardware and retail stores around the country.
The Trade Union umbrella bodies is embarking on the concept to strengthen relations with the Office of the Commissioner of Labor, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Office of the Director of Public Solicitor, Bar Association, NPF, Inland Revenue and others in a bid to coordinate services provided to workers across the country in protecting their rights both fundamental and legal.
Umbrella body of all trade unions is also calling on the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce for a stronger cooperation to avoid potential disruptions to investment and development activities.
During the Council meeting, and following discussions, the followings were resolved to be implemented within the next five (5) years.
1. Establishment of a National Centre to accommodate all trade Unions and Associations, establishing training facilities, and establish a National Call Center for workers.
2. To ensure all workers are covered under insurance scheme.
3. To establish and or re-strengthen all SICTU member unions international affiliations.
4. To foster harmonious relationship with the Government and corporate bodies across the country to improve the living standards of the workers.
5. To Re-register the Solomon Islands Labor Party.
6. To take a position on the decolonization in the Pacific focusing on West Papua, New Caledonia and French Polynesia
SICTU further resolved that it will work closely with the Government and Non-Government Agencies to take a position to realistically address the issue and impact of Climate change and migration both internal and international.
SICTU will seek a stronger partnership with others to implement effective strategies for mitigation and resilience.
- SICTU
