Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA) says its decision to remove its outspoken general secretary Samson Faisi was made collectively after a review of his contract.
SINTA president Philip Ika told the Solomon Star his executive made the decision after reviewing Faisi’s initial one year contract.
Faisi attended a conference in Fiji on behalf of SINTA the other week only to be told last Thursday his one year contract has not been renewed.
He took up the job on 7 March 20014.
Faisi had described the decision as based on “misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the SINTA constitution.
“The SINTA constitution supersedes the contract,” Faisi said.
“The SINTA executive did not realise their mistake when giving me the contract at the first place.
“Their decision is therefore lame, childish, and immature,” Faisi said.
“Even legal opinion has been sought from SINTA’s lawyer and the advice given was ignored,” he claimed
“What SINTA’s executive did come out from the blue without considering the possible consequences of their decision.
“The initial contract was a misunderstanding and mix-up of contracts between the one I signed and that of late Johnley Hatimoana.
“It’s just the same document, with nothing had changed. That fits his situation when he was out to run during the by election.
“There was never an issue until the review when it popped out. This is where the misunderstanding comes in, and I was not given any notice.”
Ika said Faisi has the right to appeal the decision if he is not happy.
“The decision taken has been made by the executive after reviewing Faisi’s contract.
“There were no serious allegations or any that I can prove been written and submitted to us.”
Ika confirmed the same copy of contract was used previously and said there was no detailed deliberation into the contract probably due to the executive’s short-sightedness.
“This has been discussed and the executive had made its final decision knowing what lies ahead.
“The executive knows very well the consequences and have accepted to take that path.”
He said whilst this is executive decision, Faisi has rights to appeal.
The Commissioner of Labour’s office is understood to have been informed of the situation and the commissioner reportedly wrote to the two parties.
By BRADFORD THEONOMI
