MALAITA Province Premier Elijah Asilaua has met earlier last week with the representatives of provincial workers who have threatened to go on strike if their six-year-old log of claims are not addressed.
The meeting was convened to consult with the government regarding a strike notice issued by the Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI) on behalf of the workers.
This notice, issued under the Essential Services Act (Cap 12), will lapse on March 19, with a planned strike action set for March 24.
The log of claims date back to 2017 and it includes an unpaid 9 per-cent wage increase.
Premier Asilaua informed Solomon Star that he has met with the workers’ representatives and reassured them of his government’s commitment to resolving the workers’ claims.
He, however, expressed dissatisfaction with how the strike notice was handled, pointing out that the workers did not consult his office before being issued by WUSI.
“I’m not happy with the strike notice because the workers did not attempt to consult with my office before its issuance by WUSI.
“This issue is an internal matter and the workers should have consulted the [provincial] government before taking further action.” Premier Asilaua stated.
The premier clarified that the workers’ claims date back to 2017, a matter that was left unaddressed by previous administrations.
Nevertheless, he said he had assured the workers’ representatives that his government would discuss the issue of their log of claims in the upcoming executive meeting scheduled for March 10.
By SOLOMON LOFANA,
Solomon Star, Auki
