30 Aug 2011

Solomons' public servants want to negotiate pay issue directly with government

7:08 pm on 30 August 2011

The Solomon Islands public sector unions coordinating committee has decided it doesn't want the Trade Disputes Panel to sort out its claim for a cost of living adjustment, or COLA.

The government rejected the union's demand of 11.5 percent COLA, instead offering two percent, but this sparked strike action last Friday.

The matter was subsequently referred to the Trade Disputes Panel and the strike action declared illegal.

But union official, Johnley Hatimoana, says they want to continue to negotiate directly with the government, saying the issues would be more quickly resolved.

"We have agreed to enter into negotiations again with the government but provided that the referral to the Trade Disputes Panel, will have to be withdrawn by the Government. And then that would give us the time and (be) free to negotiate with the government on the cost of living adjustment."

Johnley Hatimoana.