SICTU says it has constructive dialogue with PM Manele

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HONIARA, Solomon Islands – The President of the Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU), Mr. Tony Kagovai, has formally thanked the Prime Minister for a productive and wide-ranging meeting held Wednesday this week, marking the second such engagement between the government and the nation’s peak union body.

The discussions reinforced the critical importance of ongoing social dialogue between the government, employers, and employees to foster national development and harmony.

A key agenda item was SICTU’s strong endorsement of a formal request submitted by the Pacific Islands Council of Trade Unions (PICTU) to the chair of the 2025 Pacific Labour Mobility Annual Meeting, to be hosted in Honiara from November 3rd to 6th, 2025. SICTU urged the government to support the allocation of a dedicated slot within the official three-day programme for PICTU to deliver a presentation.

This presentation would serve as the official voice of workers and trade unions across all Forum member countries in the region, including Australia and New Zealand, on issues central to labour mobility.

Mr. Kagovai also took the opportunity to assure the Prime Minister of the public sector unions’ full support for the government as it progresses the new Public Service Bill through the Bills Committee. Noting the recent lessons learned from the passage of the New Education Act and the subsequent industrial action notice served by the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA), Mr. Kagovai emphasised the need for a collaborative approach.

“We must work together to ensure the upcoming Public Service Bill, once passed in parliament, becomes a tool for unity and progress, not a source of disharmony,” stated Mr. Kagovai. “A law that genuinely addresses public sector workers’ welfare is a law we can all stand behind.”

The SICTU President reiterated the council’s unwavering support for SINTA and expressed confidence that the high-level taskforce comprising the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury would successfully resolve the issues outlined in the 28-day strike notice within the stipulated timeframe.

Further solidifying the commitment to tripartite cooperation, SICTU pledged to work closely with the government through the Tripartite Labour Advisory Board to address pressing regional and national challenges, including climate change, migration, and other areas of common interest for the government, employers, and employees.

On governance, SICTU reiterated its support for the rotation of Permanent Secretaries. Mr. Kagovai also appealed to Ministers, through the Prime Minister, to allow the Public Service Commission to conduct reviews of contracted officers, including Permanent Secretaries, through a process of collective consensus that incorporates views from both the public and public servants.

In closing, Mr. Kagovai thanked the Prime Minister for his personal assurance of more frequent and meaningful dialogue between his government and SICTU, which represents the collective voice of workers across both the public and private sectors.

“This commitment to engagement is the foundation for a stronger, more prosperous Solomon Islands where every stakeholder has a voice and a share in our nation’s future,” Mr. Kagovai concluded.

Accompanying SICTU president was General Secretary of SIPEU Mr Robert Au, National Secretary of SICTU Mr Adrian Tuhanuku and a SICTU board member Mr Barry Samson.

SICTU is the national peak body representing trade unions in the Solomon Islands. It advocates for the rights and welfare of workers in both the public and private sectors and promotes social justice and equitable economic development through constructive social dialogue.

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