BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Premier of Malaita province, Elijah Asilaua says the 28 days notice issued by Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI), on behalf of direct employees of Malaita province is before his executive.

Asilaua made the statement, assuring MPG staffs that they will be looking at the matter during their executive meeting next week.

The notice was issued in response to outstanding arrears of MPG staffs included; 3.5 unified percent and 9 percent salary increase that hasn’t paid since 2017.

The percentages were passed and adopted by Ramohia’s government. Sadly, the successive government under the leadership of former Premier, Daniel Suidani and PS, Fridrick Fa’abasu had dropped it.

The matter remained unresolved until now, that staffs through WUSI decided to bring to the attention of the current government and administration, according to MPG staffs.

In pursue of the matter, Premier Asilaua mentioned that his office has recently met with leaders at the province, who led provincial staffs on the matter.

“My office had already called their leaders and assured them on the commitment of my government to prioritize the matter,” he said.

The premier, however, expressed dissatisfaction with MPG staffs on the approach the matter was handled.

“It might be their right to take the matter to Workers Union Solomon Islands (WUSI), but the approach taken was not in the best interest of my government.

“My government just 9 months old and to my surprise, my office didn’t notify on the matter.

“I expect them to come to my office and discuss the matter with us. Regrettably, it brought to media before reaching us

“The staffs should trust their government. This is the government that represent them and the people of Malaita,” he said.

Asilaua said the good news is the matter is before them and they will deal with it accordingly. 

“My government won’t overlook the value of its staffs. They are the drivers of the policy, programs and activities of the province.

“And as responsible government, we highly consider the importance of the matter.

“I can assure that my executive will be looking at the matter during our executive meeting next week.

“And any outcome, I will call the staffs to try and address it, since it is only an internal matter,” he said.

He also appealed to MPG staffs to refrain from any illegal activity that might go out of hand, and put them in jeopardy.

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