Honiara Port resumes operations after a strike, with the dispute now referred to the Trade Dispute Panel.
The Solomon Islands Ports Authority (Solomon Ports) advises that operations at Honiara Port resumed at 4:00pm today following a strike by workers earlier in the day.
The strike has been called off, and the matter has been formally referred to the Trade Dispute Panel (TDP) for conciliation. Staff have returned to duty, and normal port operations have resumed.
The strike action related to claims involving wage increases for the period 2018–2025, adjustments to allowances, bonuses, and COVID-19-related payments. Solomon Ports states that these were the matters included in the official log of claims submitted by the Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI).
Prior to the strike, discussions had taken place between Solomon Ports management and WUSI regarding the claims. The most recent submission was received on 7 April 2026. During these discussions, management presented counter-offers; however, no agreement was reached. WUSI indicated that its Workers Committee and general workforce would meet on 8 April 2026 to consider the proposals and provide a response. No formal response was received before the strike commenced on 9 April 2026.
Following the strike, the matter was referred to the Trade Dispute Panel. The referral has been accepted, and both parties are scheduled to appear before the Panel on 13 April 2026 for conciliation.
Solomon Ports stated that it will await the outcome of the conciliation process before taking further action.
Both international and domestic terminals are currently operational. Counter services will remain open until 12:00 midnight to assist customers and support normal port activities.
Solomon Ports acknowledged the disruption caused and noted that services have now returned to normal.
Source: Solomon Ports Press Release
