Solomon Islands: Strike action by teachers’ union unlikely to take place

On 25 July, the Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) President, Tony Kagovai, announced support for the 28-day strike notice of the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA). Despite the support, Kagovai called for an immediate dialogue between SINTA and the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) to avert the strike, asking the Prime Minister’s Office to coordinate a meeting between SINTA and MEHRD. SINTA stated that unresolved grievances regarding teachers’ contracts, back pay dating to 2013, and omissions in the new Education Act were its reasons for issuing the strike notice. Kagovai stated that industrial action would be the “last resort.”

Assessment: SICTU’s call on the Prime Minister’s Office reveals its commitment to avert the strike action. The government is likely to engage SINTA in a dialogue to negotiate their grievances, and the strike notice is likely to be called off.

Sources: Moffat Mamu, “SICTU backs SINTA’s stand,” Solomon Star News, July 28, 2025.