Doctors’ strike called off after MOU signed

The proposed strike notice issued by the Solomon islands Medical Association (SIMA) has been called off after a Memorandum of understanding was signed with the Ministry of Public Service late on Friday.

A media statement from SIMA confirmed the agreement was signed in regards to the review of the doctors scheme of service, which resulted in the proposed strike action.

SIMA has agreed to withdraw the strike action that was due to start on Friday, and that all officers under SIMA would continue serving in their respective stations.

The MOU signed set out a clear four-month timeframe for a revised scheme of service highlighting each party’s role in regards to the review of the current scheme, then entering into negotiation and bargaining stage.

The statement from SIMA also stated that at this stage it is still premature to quote specific figures and percentage of what might be reflected in an improved revised scheme of service for the doctors.

 

SIMA issued a strike notice to the Ministry of Public Service, requesting a review of the Doctors’ Scheme of Service.

The Solomon Star reported on Friday that doctors were looking for a 60 to 70 per cent increase in their salaries and allowances.