SIG and SINTA signed a Master Agreement
The Solomon Islands Government Negotiation Team and Solomon Islands Teachers Association (SINTA) signed a Master Agreement on Friday, 28th August, bringing the industrial action to an end and promoting ongoing cooperation.
The MA was signed by Dr. Franco Rodie, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD), Chair of the SIG Negotiation Team, Dr. Melchior Mataki, and Mr Robert Lafisi, General Secretary of SINTA.
SINTA General Secretary Robert Lafisi and PS MEHRD Dr. Franco Rodie signed the Master Agreement.
Signed as witnesses are Luke Cheka, Permanent Secretary of the Public Service; McKinnie Dentana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury; and Frank Roboliteé, Acting President of SINTA.
The terms of agreement are:
- Job Security for Teachers
- Recognition of Teachers’ Experience
- Teachers’ Salary backdating to January 1st, 2024
- Early Childhood, Technical and Vocation Education, Training, and Special Needs Education Teachers’ Salary and Classification
- Long and Dedicated Service Benefit
- Establishment of the Teachers Housing Taskforce
- Teachers’ Annual Leave Package
- Balancing Employment benefits with professionalism, conduct, and performance
Dr. Melchior Mataki, Chair of the Solomon Islands Government Negotiation Team, acknowledges SINTA for understanding the government’s position and accepting the offer.
SIG Negotiation Team and SINTA Executives pose for an official photo after the signing of the Master Agreement.
He also expressed his appreciation to both parties for their spirit of collaboration in reaching a positive result and formalised the signing of the MA.
He said the dialogue has been tough, cordial, and critical, with the intention of supporting the teachers and the government.
He also acknowledges the Cabinet for valuing the discussion of both parties and considering the demands in the Master Agreement.
He looks forward to a task force conducting a comprehensive investigation into a specific task and providing actionable recommendations to the Joint Negotiation Team.
President Acting (SINTA) Frank Robolite’e acknowledges the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) and Cabinet for the assurance to address the teachers’ demand.
He said SINTA is looking forward to working in collaboration with the government to see that the work that has been done is implemented
[END]– MEHRD PRESS RELEASE