IN THE TRADE DISPUTES PANEL
OF SOLOMON ISLANDS.

Case No. L9/8 of 1997

BETWEEN:

SINUW
Applicant

AND:

QQQ WHOLESALE
Respondent

AWARD

On 7th March 1997 the Solomon Islands National Union of Workers referred a trade dispute to the Panel pursuant to section 5 (2) of the Trade Disputes Panel Act 1981. The issue in dispute centered on recognition where Solomon Islands National Union of Workers sought formal recognition from the respondent.

On 15th July 1997 a secret ballot was conducted by the Panel in which a majority of the employees voted in favour of SINUW representation. Both parties were officially informed about the result and the employer was given an opportunity to attend a hearing on the 29th July 1997 to show cause why it should not recognise SINUW. No appearance was made by the respondent.

Under the circumstances and upon reading the results of the Secret Ballot conducted on 15th July 1997 pursuant to Section 5(2) of the Trade Disputes Act 1981 in which a majority of the respondent's employees voted in favour of Solomon Islands National Union of Workers to represent them, the Panel has today awarded recognition in favour of the employees of the respondent. The respondent employer is obliged to enter into recognition agreement with the Solomon Islands National Union of Workers.

Dated at Honiara this 29th day of July 1997.

A. N. Tongarutu
CHAIRMAN/TRADE DISPUTES PANEL