SINTA issues education ministry with 28-day ultimatum to address seven-point list of demands
BY INDY MAEALASIA
Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA) has issued a nationwide 28-day strike notice to the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), that demands swift action on longstanding welfare issues of teachers across the country.
The notice, along with a formal list of demands was officially submitted to the ministry on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 and will lapse on the 29th of August, 2025.
Speaking to the media, SINTA General Secretary, Robert Lafisi said the bold action follows a resolution from the association’s Annual General Meeting held on June 25, citing unresolved issues that MEHRD has failed to address.
“This includes failed assurance from MEHRD, inconsistency in implementing the Education Act and Administrative instruction, discrepancies in terms of teachers’ classification and lack of increase in allowances and entitlements of teachers welfare,” Lafisi said.
Under this first submission, SINTA has outlined seven formal demands for MEHRD to consider:
- Job Security for Teachers
All eligible teachers should be offered ongoing contracts, rather than fixed-term agreements.
- Recognition of Teachers’ Experience
Teachers’ years of service should be recognized and reflected in the salary structure, alongside position and qualifications.
Teachers should receive back pay dating to 2014, when the revised salary structure was initially proposed.
- Salary Structure Review Intervals
MEHRD must establish and communicate clear intervals for reviewing and updating the current salary structure.
- Recognition of ECE, TVET, and Disability Educators
The qualifications and expertise of teachers in Early Childhood Education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training, and Special Education should be valued equally, not based solely on contact hours.
MEHRD should expand and increase allowances, holiday leave, long service benefits (LSB), and housing rental support for teachers.
- Education Providers’ Financial Capacity
Education providers’ financial health must be reviewed to ensure they can effectively support teachers’ welfare.
Given the time available before the notice ends, Lafisi said the association is willing and open to have further constructive dialogue with the ministry.
“Please, let us talk over these matters to help our teachers. This should not be seen as a threat. These are failures on the ministry’s part. They are issues that should have been addressed long ago. Just accept that and come forward. Let’s resolve this together,” he stressed.
If no response is received within the notice period, Lafisi said SINTA will hold another meeting with its members to decide on the next possible steps.
According to SINTA, there is an estimate of 11,000 teachers nationwide.
The MEHRD is being sought for comments.
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