Solomon Islands: Periodic strikes likely to occur unless TDP delivers a credible settlement

On 9 April, the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) confirmed that full operations had resumed at the Port of Honiara after a one-day strike by port workers. The Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI) said the action was driven by demands for higher pay and allowances, and unpaid COVID-19 compensation. The strike ended after the dispute was referred to the Trade Dispute Panel (TDP) for a formal conciliation, initiating the resolution process for these grievances. Previously, in January 2025, WUSI issued a strike notice over the same concerns but these did not reach the TDP; earlier proceedings instead related to WUSI’s bid for recognition to represent SIPA workers. (see SPI #12, dated 2-15 January and SPI #19, dated 10-23 April).

Assessment: The dispute is contained within formal legal channels, with both labour and management signaling a preference for a negotiated resolution. The persistence of underlying grievances indicates a stable but unresolved situation. Periodic strikes are likely to occur unless the TDP conciliation delivers a credible settlement.

Source: Ronald Toito'ona, “Honiara Port Operations Resume Following Brief Industrial Action; Dispute Moves To Conciliation,” In-depth Solomons, April 9, 2026.