BY MORRIS NAFU
The Solomon Island Council of Trade Union (SICTU) congratulates the Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA) for having a successful meeting and historic agreement with the government.
SINTA signed a Master Agreement (MA) with a team from the government on Friday, August 29, 2025 to address longstanding welfare issues of teachers across the country.
This is to solve the SINTA’s nationwide 28-day strike notice issued to the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) on Tuesday, July 22 which lapsed on August 29.
SICTU in its statement stressed that SINTA’s resolute and professional leadership has averted an imminent nationwide strike and, more importantly, has resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that stands as a significant victory for every teacher in the country.
“SICTU recognises the immense pressure and dedication required to reach this outcome, and the efforts of SINTA’s leadership and members are truly commendable,” said SICTU.
SICTU also stated that the signed MOU is a testament to SINTA’s able leadership, strategic planning, and unwavering professionalism throughout a challenging negotiation process.
“This achievement will undoubtedly go a long way in improving the welfare and working conditions for teachers and, by extension, their families across the nation,” said SICTU.
It is a huge step forward and a powerful demonstration of what collective bargaining and a united front can achieve for all workers in the Solomon Islands.
SICTU added that while they celebrate this milestone with SINTA, they acknowledge that the work continues as they move to ensure the full implementation of the agreement.
“SICTU offers its continued solidarity and support throughout this next phase,” said SICTU.
This victory serves as an inspiration to all unions and affirms the critical importance of social dialogue and respect for collective bargaining rights. SICTU encourages SINTA to directly communicate these positive results to its members across all provinces, fostering even greater trust and unity.
As part of the signed agreement, the terms of agreement are:
1. Job Security for Teachers
2. Recognition of Teachers’ Experience
3. Teachers’ Salary backdating to January 1st, 2024
4. Early Childhood, Technical and Vocation Education, Training, and Special Needs Education Teachers’ Salary and Classification
5. Long and Dedicated Service Benefit
6. Establishment of the Teachers Housing Taskforce
7. Teachers’ Annual Leave Package and Balancing Employment benefits with professionalism, conduct, and performance.
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