Solomon Islands: Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) unwilling to negotiate with Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI)

On 10 January, the Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI) issued a 28-day strike notice to the Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) which is expected to begin around 7 February after the notice expires. WUSI stated SIPA had failed to provide workers with their COVID-19 allowances, a 3.5% Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), and bonuses from the previous year. WUSI Secretary Adrian Tuhanuku said the union is open to negotiate with SIPA but is also prepared to take the matter to the Trade Dispute Panel (TDP). An ongoing legal dispute regarding SIPA’s refusal to recognise WUSI as a representative body of SIPA workers complicates the situation. SIPA has challenged WUSI’s legitimacy to represent its workers since 2016.

Assessment: SIPA’s ongoing refusal to recognise WUSI indicates its unwillingness to cooperate on the current issues. SIPA will use the legal dispute to avoid negotiations, however, WUSI is likely to continue to pressure the port authority to enter negotiations as they are confident in their legal status. The strike action, should it go ahead in February, is highly likely to affect imports and exports at the Honiara international port. WUSI is the only trade union that represents SIPA workers.

Sources: Eddie Osilfelo “STRIKE LOOMS?,” Solomon Star, January 15, 2025; Eddie Osilfelo “DISPUTE SET FOR HEARING,” Island Sun, September 23, 2022; “HIGH COURT TO RULE ON WUSI’s LEGALITY,” Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC), April 13, 2016.