Trade union backs nurses’ strike notice, urging govt to act responsibly

BY MORRIS NAFUThe Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions (SICTU) has announced its full support for the Solomon Islands Nurses Association (SINA) and its members following the issuance of a 28-day industrial strike notice.SICTU wishes for government and SINA to arrive at an amicable resolution to the matter.However, SICTU urges government saying that the ball is now in its court and that it must act decisively and responsiblyThis decisive action comes after an overwhelming endorsement from all provincial SINA branches and the Honiara City Council (HCC) nurses, reflecting the unified and resolute voice of the nursing fraternity across the nation, a statement by SICTU yesterday said.SICTU views this notice not as a first resort, but as a necessary and final measure taken by our dedicated nurses after years of patience and unmet commitments, the statement said.“The items detailed in the strike notice are not new demands; they are long-overdue issues that have consistently been overlooked, creating immense frustration and demoralization among the very professionals who form the backbone of our national healthcare system,” SICTU said.“We call upon the executive of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, permanent secretary and the Public Service Commission to treat this matter with the utmost seriousness and urgency it demands.“The collective frustration of the nurses is a direct indicator of a breakdown in meaningful dialogue and leadership. In this light, we strongly appeal for the urgent intervention of the Public Service Commission to seriously consider the call for a rotation of the Permanent Secretary.“A fresh perspective and renewed leadership are critical to breaking the current impasse and fostering a constructive path forward.“Furthermore, we urgently call on PMO, ministry of public service and ministry of health and medical services to immediately invite SINA to the negotiating table. The objective of this meeting must be to genuinely address each and every item outlined in the 28-day notice with the aim of reaching a fair and sustainable resolution.“The government must demonstrate its commitment to its workforce and, by extension, to the health and well-being of all Solomon Islanders by engaging in good-faith discussions.“Our nurses have stood on the front lines, serving our people with dedication and sacrifice, especially through recent health crises. It is now time for the government to honour its obligations and address their legitimate concerns regarding working conditions, welfare, and professional recognition.“SICTU wishes both SINA and the Government negotiation teams all the best in their forthcoming dialogue. We remain hopeful that wisdom, respect, and a shared commitment to the nation’s health will prevail, leading to a swift and positive outcome that averts the need for industrial action.“The ball is now in the government’s court. We urge them to act decisively and responsibly,” SICTU said.