WORKERS of Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) in Honiara will vote in a secret ballot at the Trade Dispute Panel’s (TDP’s) courtroom at Town Ground on Monday 17 March.

TDP made the ruling recently for a secret ballot vote to be conducted to resolve the recognition issue between Workers Union of Solomon Islands (WUSI) and SIPA.

Former SIPA Chief Executive Officer Eranda Kotelawala refused to negotiate with WUSI since 2019 to represent its workers.

TDP Chairman Willie Vaiyu confirmed to Solomon Star on Monday that after the voting in Honiara, his officers will travel to Noro, Western Province to conduct similar secret ballot voting.

Mr Vaiyi said if majority of workers vote for recognition, the panel will give recognition to Union to represent their welfares.

However, he said if the voting turns otherwise, there will be no recognition, and the workers’ welfare will be dealt with by an in-house union in SIPA.

WUSI Secretary Adrian Tuhanuku recently said WUSI’s 28-day strike notice remains in effect.

He said this is to allow the Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration to continue mediation with the SIPA Executive and Board over the SIPA workers outstanding issues.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Solomon Star, Honiara