Solomon Islands: Legal outcome to determine next course of action in port strike

Written By Paul Prouse

On 5 February, the Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI) notified the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) it will extend its 28-day strike notice. WUSI stated that the extension was to allow for further negotiations and the continuation of arbitration. In response, SIPA labelled the strike notice as illegal and potentially criminal, stating that it violated the Essential Services Regulation, the Trade Disputes Act, and the Penal Code. Since 2016 SIPA has rejected a recognition agreement with WUSI.


Assessment: SIPA will use the ongoing arbitration to delay the strike action as long as possible. WUSI is unlikely to proceed with strike action until their ability to strike is legally clarified, following SIPA’s allegations of labelling the strike as illegal. Ports services are unlikely to halt as the dispute continues.

Sources: Eddie Osifelo, “STRIKE EXTENDED?,” Solomon Star News, February 10, 2025; Moffat Mamu, “STRIKE ILLEGAL?,” Solomon Star News, February 11, 2025. 

Paul Prouse
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