The Government and Trade Disputes Panel in Solomon Islands have failed to avert a nation-wide strike by members of the Solomon Islands Public Employees Union.
Passengers at Honiara International Airport were the first to be affected by the strike action.
The Trade Disputes' Panel had been issuing public calls through the national broadcaster since Friday asking members not to take industrial action.
The Secretary to the Trade Disputes Panel, Francis Luza, told union members that the trade dispute over a backlog of claims, had now been referred to the Panel for settlement.
Mr Luza said unionists were no longer allowed to take action and that non-compliance might lead to prosecution.
