SOLOMON Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is yet to receive the 28 days strike notice issued by the Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI) and its SIPA members.
Collin Yow on Tuesday said his office does not receive any copy of the proposed strike notice.
Early this week WUSI and its SIPA members have given SIPA a 28-day strike notice.
Mr Yow said while recognising the rights of SIPA staff to be represented by WUSI, not more than 50 percent of the members have paid up the membership dues.
“I recognise the rights of SIPA staff to be represented by Workers Union of Solomon Islands WUSI, but as per legislation, more than 50 percent of the workforce are yet to pay up their union membership fee before it can be incorporated with SIPA.”
Mr Yow said WUSI failed to advise him of necessary requirements to be incorporated by SIPA.
“To date, WUSI has yet to advise me of this necessary requirement for it to be formally incorporated.”
WUSI general secretary Tony Kangovai said after the secret ballot vote, all 221 SIPA members of WUSI have paid up their financial membership fee.
“Since the outcome of the secret ballot at SIPA a total of 221 workers of SIPA have paid up the financial membership with WUSI.
“The union’s longest standing policy is that on such situations is that we cannot submit details of our financial members to SIPA until a recognition agreement is signed between WUSI and SIPA.
“If he needs verifications, check with Commissioner of Labor or the Trade Dispute Panel for authenticity of our documents.”
He said Mr Yow’s outrage on the media is a cover up, and delaying tactics.
“He is trying to cover up our calls for him and SIPA board chairman Leni to be removed. To say he is dealing with issues one at a time is a delaying tactic to find his way out.”
By CHARLEY PIRINGI
