The Solomon Islands Government (SIG) and the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA) have reached a consensus on the way forward to address key issues raised by the country’s teachers.
The agreement was reached during a joint negotiation meeting on Wednesday, 7th August, between officials from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC), Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Ministry of Public Service (MPS), and the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), alongside SINTA executives.
The consensus followed a series of meetings where each of the following concerns submitted by SINTA were thoroughly discussed:
- Job security for teachers
- Recognition of teaching experience
- Backdated salary payments
- New Salary Structure Classification review interval
- Allowances, holiday leave, long service benefits, and housing rental support
- Education provider financial capacity
Chair of the SIG/SINTA Negotiation Meeting, Secretary to the Prime Minister Dr. Melchior Mataki, acknowledged both parties for the spirit of cooperation that led to meaningful discussions on these matters.
Dr. Mataki also acknowledged MEHRD Permanent Secretary Dr. Franco Rodie for his leadership and support throughout the process, and the Chair of SIG/SINTA Joint Taskforce Mr. Douglas Ete, Chief of Staff at OPMC for his leadership and guidance.
“What we have achieved at this stage is a testament to our commitment and the importance of reaching consensus on these demands,” Dr. Mataki said.
He added that the next step is to formalise the consensus into a master agreement to be signed between the Government and SINTA.
He stated that the SIG will prepare the master agreement and share it with SINTA for review and feedback.
MEHRD Permanent Secretary Dr. Franco Rodie expressed appreciation to both parties for reaching the consensus.
He said that his ministry will continue to respond to the grievances and concerns of teachers and considers this consensus a milestone achievement toward improving their working conditions in accordance with the new Education Act.
General Secretary of SINTA, Mr. Robert Lafisi, also expressed his appreciation for the progress made so far.
He said the progress demonstrates the commitment of all parties to collectively address the plight of teachers.