Honiara, Solomon Islands — The Minister of Health and Medical Services, Hon. Bosawai, has publicly addressed concerns surrounding the 28-day strike notice issued by the Solomon Islands Nurses Association (SINA), stating his commitment to resolving the issues without resorting to industrial action.
In a comment made under a media statement posted on the YumiTokTok Forum, a popular local social media platform in Solomon Islands, Minister Bosawai expressed disappointment over the Association Secretary’s unwillingness to engage in dialogue. “Sad that the secretary is not willing to come so we can discuss issues moving forward,” he wrote.
Despite the setback, the Minister affirmed his intention to resolve the matter diplomatically. “I will respond and settle the issues avoiding strike or industrial action,” he added, emphasizing the government’s preference for peaceful and constructive engagement.
Minister Bosawai also acknowledged the legitimacy of the nurses’ concerns, noting the importance of aligning their demands with the provisions of the SINA constitution. “It is good to know the details of their demand, those must be legitimate and according to the SINA constitution,” he stated.
The nurses’ strike notice, which was served to the government last week, outlines grievances relating to repeated breaches of standard procedures, including failure to engage appropriate supervising officers for senior positions, deliberate undermining of the Nursing Cadre’s highest role for non-national interests, disregard for the division’s established succession and hierarchy, devaluation of experienced senior nurse leaders, and non-compliance with both regulatory requirements and the Nurses Scheme of Service.
The strike is set to commence if no resolution is reached within the stipulated 28-day period.
The Minister’s public comment has shown how serious the Ministry is taking this notice and locals are expressing their views online for a swift resolution to avoid disruptions in health services.
Efforts are ongoing to bring both parties to the negotiation table, as the country watches closely to see whether dialogue can prevail over industrial action in this critical sector.
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Thoughts? Iumi stori
