The Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) has declared its full and unequivocal support for the Solomon Islands Nurses Association (SINA) following the issuance of a 28-day strike notice.
In a statement today, SICTU said the industrial action, endorsed by all provincial SINA branches and the Honiara City Council (HCC) nurses, reflects the โunified and resolute voice of the nursing fraternity across the nation.โ
SICTU stressed that the strike notice is โnot a first resort, but a necessary and final measure taken by our dedicated nurses after years of patience and unmet commitments.โ The union emphasized that the issues raised are not new demands, but long-standing concerns that have been consistently ignored, causing deep frustration and demoralization among frontline health workers.
The national trade union body urged the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, its Permanent Secretary, and the Public Service Commission to treat the matter with โthe utmost seriousness and urgency it demands.โ It also called for fresh leadership at the Ministry to restore trust and break the current impasse:
โThe collective frustration of the nurses is a direct indicator of a breakdown in meaningful dialogue and leadership. In this light, we strongly appeal for the urgent intervention of the Public Service Commission to seriously consider the call for a rotation of the Permanent Secretary. A fresh perspective and renewed leadership are critical to fostering a constructive path forward.โ
SICTU further called on the Prime Ministerโs Office, Ministry of Public Service, and Ministry of Health and Medical Services to immediately invite SINA to the negotiating table.
โThe objective must be to genuinely address each and every item outlined in the 28-day notice with the aim of reaching a fair and sustainable resolution. The government must demonstrate its commitment to its workforce and, by extension, to the health and well-being of all Solomon Islanders.โ
The statement reminded the public of the sacrifices made by nurses during recent health crises and underscored that it is now the governmentโs turn to honour its obligations.
โOur nurses have stood on the front lines, serving our people with dedication and sacrifice. It is now time for the government to address their legitimate concerns regarding working conditions, welfare, and professional recognition.โ
SICTU concluded its statement with a call for wisdom and responsibility:
โWe wish both SINA and the Government negotiation teams all the best in their forthcoming dialogue. We remain hopeful that respect and a shared commitment to the nationโs health will prevail, leading to a swift and positive outcome that averts the need for industrial action. The ball is now in the governmentโs court. We urge them to act decisively and responsibly.โ
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[SICTU Press Statement]
