By Irwin Angiki
The country’s trade union has announced support for the national teachers association in its strike notice to the ministry of education.
Solomons’ Council of Trade Union (SICTU) President Tony Kagovai also encouraged the Solomon Islands Teachers Association (SINTA) and education ministry (MEHRD) to resolve the matter via dialogue.
Kagovai also called on the Office of the Prime Minister to intervene and ensure a hastened resolution to the matter.
He stressed that industrial action is always the last resort.
SINTA issued a 28-day strike notice on July 22, lapsing on August 29.
SINTA General Secretary Robert Lafisi said the decision was a response to continued “failed assurance from MEHRD, inconsistency in implementing the Education Act and Administrative instruction, discrepancies in terms of teachers’ classification, lack of increase in allowances and entitlements of teachers welfare.
The strike notice carries seven demands from MEHRD:
1. Job Security for Teachers
All eligible teachers should be offered ongoing contracts, rather than fixed-term agreements.
2. Recognition of Teachers’ Experience
Teachers’ years of service should be recognized and reflected in the salary structure, alongside position and qualifications.
3. Backdated Salaries
Teachers should receive back pay dating to 2014, when the revised salary structure was initially proposed.
4. Salary Structure Review Intervals
MEHRD must establish and communicate clear intervals for reviewing and updating the current salary structure.
5. Recognition of ECE, TVET, and Disability Educators
The qualifications and expertise of teachers in Early Childhood Education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training, and Special Education should be valued equally, not based solely on contact hours.
6. Allowances and Benefits
MEHRD should expand and increase allowances, holiday leave, long service benefits (LSB), and housing rental support for teachers.
7. Education Providers’ Financial Capacity
Education providers’ financial health must be reviewed to ensure they can effectively support teachers’ welfare.
SICTU president Kagovai said, “It is critically important that both parties return to the table with sincerity to address the substantive concerns that remain unresolved spells clearly in the strike notice including teachers releveling exercise, teachers contracts, payback of teachers package backdated to 2013, education provider as employer contribute in supporting to their teachers welfare not adequately provided for in the new scheme of service, discrepancies in teachers clarification, recognise teachers serving in ECE, TVTET, special need schools as full time teachers, address for improvement teachers various allowances and incentive, annual leaves, long service benefit, housing allowance and others.
In calling for intervention from the Prime Minister’s office (OPMC), president Kagovai said the Office must “invoke its leadership oversight and coordinate a high-level dialogue between SINTA, MEHRD, and relevant government stakeholders. The issues raised in the strike notice are of national significance and require the PMO’s direct intervention to facilitate a fair, transparent, and expedited resolution process”.
“While SICTU and all its affiliate unions stand in full solidarity with SINTA’s legitimate demands and support the strike notice as a necessary step, we simultaneously emphasize the paramount importance of dialogue. Industrial action remains a last resort.
“We believe a negotiated settlement that addresses the core concerns of our teachers is achievable and in the best interest of our students, our education system, and the nation.
“SICTU urges all parties to act with urgency, responsibility, and a shared commitment to find a positive resolution that honours the contributions of Solomon Islands’ teachers and secures a sustainable future for our education sector,” Kagovai said.
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