Council of Trade Union Focuses on Collective Agreements, Improved Employment Terms and Regional Advocacy
Trade unions in the Solomon Islands continue to play a vital role in protecting workers’ rights and contributing to national development. At the heart of their efforts are collective agreements, negotiated with private sector employers, and schemes of service established with the public service and other government agencies. These agreements are instrumental in ensuring fair treatment, improved wages, and better working conditions for workers across various industries.
During the 2nd Council meeting of the Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) on August 29, 2024, SICTU President Tony Kagovai reminded union members of their responsibility to their employers and the importance of trade unions in driving national development and prosperity. He stressed that while progress has been made, much remains to be done to bring employment terms to a level that reflects the true value of workers’ labor.
Kagovai reiterated that unions play a crucial role in fostering strong, cooperative relationships between employees and employers, which is essential for both economic growth and improved living standards. SICTU, the umbrella body for all trade unions in the country, represents a wide range of unions, including the Solomon Islands Public Employees Union (SIPEU), Solomon Islands Teachers Association (SINTA), and Solomon Islands Medical Association (SIMA), among others.
The Council meeting was officially opened by the Commissioner of Labor, Mr. Brown Penuel Pwai, who emphasized the importance of cooperation between government, enterprises, and unions to safeguard workers’ welfare. He congratulated the newly appointed SICTU leadership, President Kagovai and National Secretary Adrian Tuhanuku, for their efforts in revitalizing the union movement.
Tuhanuku highlighted the union’s plans to expand protections to workers who are not currently unionized, including seafarers, fishermen, shopkeepers, and those in the retail and wholesale sectors. He pointed out that only one union represents private sector workers, while 10 others represent the public sector.
SICTU is also focusing on strengthening relationships with key institutions such as the Office of the Commissioner of Labor, the Office of the Ombudsman, the Public Solicitor’s Office, and the National Provident Fund (NPF). These partnerships aim to ensure better coordination of services and stronger protection of workers’ rights across the country.
As part of its five-year plan, SICTU intends to establish a national center to accommodate all trade unions, provide training facilities, and create a national call center for workers. Other key priorities include securing insurance coverage for all workers, strengthening international affiliations, re-registering the Solomon Islands Labor Party, and fostering stronger cooperation with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce to avoid potential disruptions to investment and development.
SICTU is also taking a firm stance on regional decolonization efforts, focusing on West Papua, New Caledonia, and French Polynesia. In addition, the union body is committed to addressing the impacts of climate change on workers and communities, seeking partnerships with government and non-governmental organizations to implement strategies for climate resilience.
With SICTU
