The Solomon Islands government, in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), has convened a three-day workshop in Honiara aimed at strengthening the country’s minimum wage-setting process and promoting fairer, more transparent wage policies.
Organized by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration (MCILI), the workshop brings together government officials, employers, workers’ representatives, and development partners to review existing wage frameworks and build consensus on evidence-based approaches to minimum wage determination.
Held from June 9 to 11, 2026, the discussions focus on improving understanding of international labour standards and incorporating economic data, worker needs, and business conditions into wage-setting decisions. Officials say the goal is to ensure that future minimum wage adjustments are both fair and sustainable for all stakeholders.
Opening the workshop, Labour Minister Harry Kuma emphasized the importance of a transparent and data-driven system for wage determination. He said the process should reflect national economic realities while balancing the interests of workers and employers, and support a predictable framework for regular wage reviews.
Participants are also examining international standards such as ILO Convention No. 131 on Minimum Wage Fixing, along with regional experiences from countries including Fiji, Papua New Guinea, and Cambodia. The workshop highlights the importance of tripartite dialogue between governments, employers, and workers in shaping equitable labour policies.
The initiative also draws on national data sources such as household income and expenditure surveys to ensure wage decisions are grounded in reliable evidence. Discussions cover broader issues including productivity, cost of living, labour market conditions, and mechanisms for ongoing consultation.
The ILO reiterated its support for Solomon Islands in developing a wage-setting system that promotes decent work, reduces poverty, and strengthens social justice. Officials expect the outcomes of the workshop to contribute to long-term reforms that modernize the minimum wage framework and make it more responsive to changing economic conditions.
By fostering collaboration between key stakeholders, the initiative aims to create a more inclusive and balanced approach to wage policy that supports both workers’ welfare and business sustainability.
