Minimum Wage-Fixing Machinery Convention, 1928 (No. 26) - Solomon Islands (Ratification: 1985)

Replies received to the issues raised in a direct request which do not give rise to further comments (CEACR) - adopted 2019, published 109th ILC session (2021)

The Committee notes the information provided by the Government, which answers the points raised in its previous direct request and has no further matters to raise in this regard.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2013, published 103rd ILC session (2014)

Articles 1 and 3 of the Convention. Minimum wage fixing machinery. Further to its previous comment, the Committee notes the Labour (Advisory Board) Rules 2012, in particular section 3(1) which provides for an equal number of employers’ and workers’ representatives in the composition of the Labour Advisory Board and the obligation of the Minister of Labour to appoint those persons nominated by the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Solomon Islands Council of Trade Unions respectively. The Committee also notes the Government’s indication that minimum wage levels are periodically reviewed based on the Household Income Survey and the Retail Price Index Survey, both conducted by the Statistics Bureau. While noting that the government representatives have not as yet been nominated to the Labour Advisory Board, the Committee requests the Government to keep the Office informed of any steps taken to ensure that minimum wage rates are reviewed following proper tripartite consultations within the Labour Advisory Board, and taking into account all relevant criteria, as set out in section 11 of the Labour (Advisory Board) Rules 2012.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2012, published 102nd ILC session (2013)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Repetition

Article 3(2)(2) of the Convention. Participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a national Labour Advisory Board (LAB) was established in 2010 and is expected to be operational in 2012. The LAB is a tripartite body in which employers’ and workers’ organizations are represented on equal footing and which has an advisory role in setting up the minimum wage. The Government also indicates that structural issues have delayed the convening of the first meeting of this consultative body. Recalling the importance of holding genuine and effective consultations with employers' and workers' organizations at all stages of the minimum wage fixing process, the Committee requests the Government to transmit a copy of the legal text establishing the LAB and regulating its composition and mandate. It also requests the Government to keep the Office informed of any developments concerning the effective inauguration of the LAB mechanism and the revision of the minimum wage.

Article 5 and Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide up-to-date information on the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice, including, for instance, the approximate number of workers remunerated at the minimum wage rate, copies of any economic surveys or studies used for reviewing the level of the minimum wage, and inspection results showing the number of contraventions observed and sanctions imposed.

Finally, the Committee wishes to recall that following the recommendations of the Working Party on Policy regarding the Revision of Standards (GB.283/LILS/WP/PRS/1/2, paragraphs 19 and 40), the ILO Governing Body has decided that Convention No. 26 is among those instruments which may no longer be fully up to date but remain relevant in certain respects. The Committee therefore suggests that the Government should consider the possibility of ratifying the Minimum Wage Fixing Convention, 1970 (No. 131), which marks certain advances compared to older instruments on minimum wage fixing, for instance, as regards its broader scope of application, the requirement for a comprehensive minimum wage system, and the enumeration of the criteria for the determination of minimum wage levels. The Committee requests the Government to keep the Office informed of any decision taken or envisaged in this regard.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2011, published 101st ILC session (2012)

Article 3(2)(2) of the Convention. Participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes the Government’s indication that a national Labour Advisory Board (LAB) was established in 2010 and is expected to be operational in 2012. The LAB is a tripartite body in which employers’ and workers’ organizations are represented on equal footing and which has an advisory role in setting up the minimum wage. The Government also indicates that structural issues have delayed the convening of the first meeting of this consultative body. Recalling the importance of holding genuine and effective consultations with employers' and workers' organizations at all stages of the minimum wage fixing process, the Committee requests the Government to transmit a copy of the legal text establishing the LAB and regulating its composition and mandate. It also requests the Government to keep the Office informed of any developments concerning the effective inauguration of the LAB mechanism and the revision of the minimum wage scheduled for 2012.

Article 5 and Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee requests the Government to provide up-to-date information on the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice, including, for instance, the approximate number of workers remunerated at the minimum wage rate, copies of any economic surveys or studies used for reviewing the level of the minimum wage, and inspection results showing the number of contraventions observed and sanctions imposed.

Finally, the Committee wishes to recall that following the recommendations of the Working Party on Policy regarding the Revision of Standards (GB.283/LILS/WP/PRS/1/2, paragraphs 19 and 40), the ILO Governing Body has decided that Convention No. 26 is among those instruments which may no longer be fully up to date but remain relevant in certain respects. The Committee therefore suggests that the Government should consider the possibility of ratifying the Minimum Wage Fixing Convention, 1970 (No. 131), which marks certain advances compared to older instruments on minimum wage fixing, for instance, as regards its broader scope of application, the requirement for a comprehensive minimum wage system, and the enumeration of the criteria for the determination of minimum wage levels. The Committee requests the Government to keep the Office informed of any decision taken or envisaged in this regard.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2010, published 100th ILC session (2011)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 3(2) of the Convention. Participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that representatives of the employers and the workers have always been invited to participate, in equal numbers and on equal terms, in the minimum wage-fixing round-table dialogue. While recalling that the Government, in its previous reports, referred to a wages advisory board, the Committee requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the institutional framework in which consultations are carried out (frequency, participation, mandate, etc.). Moreover, the Committee notes that, according to the Government’s last report, a new tripartite advisory board is to be established and involved in the labour law reform and the application of the provisions of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to keep the Office informed of any developments in this regard and, in particular, of any minimum wage fixing functions pertaining to this new body.

Article 5. Applicable minimum wage rates. The Committee understands that the minimum wage rate was increased as of 1 May 2008 after a period of 12 years and now stands at 4 Solomon Island dollars per hour, while the new rate for the agriculture and fisheries sector is 3.20 dollars per hour. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the Ministerial Order fixing the minimum wage rates currently in force and to keep the Office informed of any measures or steps taken to revise these rates.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide general information on the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice, including, for instance, extracts from inspection services reports and information on the number of workers protected by the legislation, the number and nature of contraventions reported, etc.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2009, published 99th ILC session (2010)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 3, paragraph 2(2), of the Convention. Participation of employers’ and workers’ organizations. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that representatives of the employers and the workers have always been invited to participate, in equal numbers and on equal terms, in the minimum wage-fixing round-table dialogue. While recalling that the Government, in its previous reports, referred to a wages advisory board, the Committee requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the institutional framework in which consultations are carried out (frequency, participation, mandate, etc.). Moreover, the Committee notes that, according to the Government’s last report, a new tripartite advisory board is to be established and involved in the labour law reform and the application of the provisions of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to keep the Office informed of any developments in this regard and, in particular, of any minimum wage fixing functions pertaining to this new body.

Article 5. Applicable minimum wage rates. The Committee understands that the minimum wage rate was increased as of 1 May 2008 after a period of 12 years and now stands at 4 Solomon Island dollars per hour, while the new rate for the agriculture and fisheries sector is 3.20 dollars per hour. The Committee requests the Government to provide a copy of the Ministerial Order fixing the minimum wage rates currently in force and to keep the Office informed of any measures or steps taken to revise these rates.

Part V of the report form. Application in practice. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide general information on the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice, including, for instance, extracts from inspection services reports and information on the number of workers protected by the legislation, the number and nature of contraventions reported, etc.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2008, published 98th ILC session (2009)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 3, paragraph 2(2), of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that representatives of the employers and the workers have always been invited to participate, in equal numbers and on equal terms, in the minimum wage-fixing round table dialogue. While recalling that the Government, in its previous reports, referred to a wages advisory board, the Committee requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the institutional framework in which consultations are carried out (frequency, participation, mandate, etc.). Moreover, the Committee notes that, according to the Government’s last report, a new tripartite advisory board is to be established and involved in the labour law reform and the application of the provisions of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to keep the Office informed of any developments in this regard and, in particular, of any minimum wage fixing functions pertaining to this new body.

Article 5. The Committee notes that, according to the information provided by the Government in its last report, in October 2005 the minimum wage rate rose to US$0.17 per hour for the agricultural and fishing sectors and US$0.21 per hour for the other sectors. While noting that the national minimum wage has not been revised for almost ten years, the Committee recalls that a system of minimum wages becomes irrelevant unless minimum wage rates are kept under review and periodically revised in the light of the evolution of socio-economic conditions. The Committee therefore invites the Government to look into existing minimum wage levels and to ensure that any possible increases adequately reflect the real needs of workers and their families. The Committee also requests the Government to provide a copy of the Ministerial Order fixing the minimum wage rates currently in force and to keep the Office informed of any measures or steps taken to revise these rates.

Part V of the report form. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide general information on the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice, including, for instance, extracts from inspection services reports and information on the number of workers protected by the legislation, the number and nature of contraventions reported, etc.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2007, published 97th ILC session (2008)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 3, paragraph 2(2), of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that representatives of the employers and the workers have always been invited to participate, in equal numbers and on equal terms, in the minimum wage-fixing round table dialogue. While recalling that the Government, in its previous reports, referred to a wages advisory board, the Committee requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the institutional framework in which consultations are carried out (frequency, participation, mandate, etc.). Moreover, the Committee notes that, according to the Government’s last report, a new tripartite advisory board is to be established and involved in the labour law reform and the application of the provisions of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of any developments in this regard and, in particular, of any minimum wage fixing functions pertaining to this new body.

Article 5. The Committee notes that, according to the information provided by the Government in its last report, in October 2005 the minimum wage rate rose to US$0.17 per hour for the agricultural and fishing sectors and US$0.21 per hour for the other sectors. While noting that the national minimum wage has not been revised for almost ten years, the Committee recalls that a system of minimum wages becomes irrelevant unless minimum wage rates are kept under review and periodically revised in the light of the evolution of socio-economic conditions. The Committee therefore invites the Government to look into existing minimum wage levels and to ensure that any possible increases adequately reflect the real needs of workers and their families. The Committee also requests the Government to provide a copy of the Ministerial Order fixing the minimum wage rates currently in force and to keep it informed of any measures or steps taken to revise these rates.

Part V of the report form. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide general information on the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice, including, for instance, extracts from inspection services reports and information on the number of workers protected by the legislation, the number and nature of contraventions reported, etc.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2005, published 95th ILC session (2006)

The Committee notes the Government’s report. It requests the Government to provide further information on the following points.

Article 3, paragraph 2(2), of the Convention. The Committee notes the Government’s statement that representatives of the employers and the workers have always been invited to participate, in equal numbers and on equal terms, in the minimum wage-fixing round table dialogue. While recalling that the Government, in its previous reports, referred to a wages advisory board, the Committee requests the Government to provide more detailed information on the institutional framework in which consultations are carried out (frequency, participation, mandate, etc). Moreover, the Committee notes that, according to the Government’s last report, a new tripartite advisory board is to be established and involved in the labour law reform and the application of the provisions of the Convention. The Committee requests the Government to keep it informed of any developments in this regard and, in particular, of any minimum wage-fixing functions pertaining to this new body.

Article 5. The Committee notes that, according to the information provided by the Government, in October 2005 the minimum wage rate rose to US$0.17 per hour for the agricultural and fishing sectors and US$0.21 per hour for the other sectors. While noting that the national minimum wage has not been revised for almost ten years, the Committee recalls that a system of minimum wages becomes irrelevant unless minimum wage rates are kept under review and periodically revised in the light of the evolution of socio-economic conditions. The Committee therefore invites the Government to look into existing minimum wage levels and to ensure that any possible increases adequately reflect the real needs of workers and their families. The Committee also requests the Government to provide a copy of the Ministerial Order fixing the minimum wage rates currently in force and to keep it informed of any measures or steps taken to revise these rates.

Part V of the report form. The Committee would be grateful if the Government would provide general information on the manner in which the Convention is applied in practice, including, for instance, extracts from inspection services reports and information on the number of workers protected by the legislation, the number and nature of contraventions reported, etc.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2004, published 93rd ILC session (2005)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 3, paragraph 2(2), of the Convention. The Committee notes that representatives of employers and workers were consulted through a round table dialogue convened and chaired by the Government before setting the Labour (Minimum Rates of Wages) Order, 1996. It requests the Government to specify to what extent employers and workers were represented in equal numbers and on equal terms in this consultation process.

Article 5, in conjunction with Part V of the report form. The Committee notes that as of 1 March 1996 the single minimum wage system applies now throughout the country. It requests the Government to continue to supply information, in accordance with these provisions of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2003, published 92nd ILC session (2004)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 3, paragraph 2(2), of the Convention. The Committee notes that representatives of employers and workers were consulted through a round table dialogue convened and chaired by the Government before setting the Labour (Minimum Rates of Wages) Order, 1996. It requests the Government to specify to what extent employers and workers were represented in equal numbers and on equal terms in this consultation process.

Article 5, in conjunction with Part V of the report form. The Committee notes that as of 1 March 1996 the single minimum wage system applies now throughout the country. It requests the Government to continue to supply information, in accordance with these provisions of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 2002, published 91st ILC session (2003)

The Committee notes that the Government’s report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the matters raised in its previous direct request, which read as follows:

Article 3, paragraph 2(2), of the Convention. The Committee notes that representatives of employers and workers were consulted through a round table dialogue convened and chaired by the Government before setting the Labour (Minimum Rates of Wages) Order, 1996. It requests the Government to specify to what extent employers and workers were represented in equal numbers and on equal terms in this consultation process.

Article 5, in conjunction with Part V of the report form. The Committee notes that as of 1 March 1996 the single minimum wage system applies now throughout the country. It requests the Government to continue to supply information, in accordance with these provisions of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1997, published 86th ILC session (1998)

The Committee notes the information provided in the Government's report in reply to its previous comments.

Article 3, paragraph 2(2). The Committee notes that representatives of employers and workers were consulted through a round table dialogue convened and chaired by the Government before setting the Labour (Minimum Rates of Wages) Order, 1996. It requests the Government to specify to what extent employers and workers were represented in equal numbers and on equal terms in this consultation process.

Article 5, in conjunction with point V of the report form. The Committee notes that as of 1 March 1996 the single minimum wage system applies now throughout the country. It requests the Government to continue to supply information, in accordance with these provisions of the Convention.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It trusts that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the following matters raised in its previous direct request:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee noted that the Labour (Minimum Rates of Wages) Order 1988 fixed the minimum rate of wages for all workers in places specified in the Order, while in the Labour Act domestic servants were not included in the definition of "worker". It requests the Government to indicate whether any arrangements are made for domestic servants and what consultations have taken place with the organizations of workers and employers in this respect.

Article 3, paragraph 2(2). The Committee noted that section 28(2) of the Labour Act provides that before fixing a minimum rate of wage for any workers, the Minister should consult with the representatives of the employers and workers concerned. It hopes that the Government will indicate what measures have been taken to ensure the association, in equal numbers and on equal terms, of the employers and workers concerned in the operation of the minimum wage-fixing machinery as required by this provision of the Convention.

Article 4, paragraph 1. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that the employers and workers concerned are informed of the minimum rate of wages in force. It requests the Government to supply information on the organization and results of the activities of the inspection services.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 83rd ILC session (1996)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes again that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the following matters raised in its previous direct request:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee noted that the Labour (Minimum Rates of Wages) Order 1988 fixed the minimum rate of wages for all workers in places specified in the Order, while in the Labour Act domestic servants were not included in the definition of "worker". It requests the Government to indicate whether any arrangements are made for domestic servants and what consultations have taken place with the organizations of workers and employers in this respect.

Article 3, paragraph 2(2). The Committee noted that section 28(2) of the Labour Act provides that before fixing a minimum rate of wage for any workers, the Minister should consult with the representatives of the employers and workers concerned. It hopes that the Government will indicate what measures have been taken to ensure the association, in equal numbers and on equal terms, of the employers and workers concerned in the operation of the minimum wage fixing machinery as required by this provision of the Convention.

Article 4, paragraph 1. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that the employers and workers concerned are informed of the minimum rate of wages in force. It requests the Government to supply information on the organization and results of the activities of the inspection services.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1995, published 82nd ILC session (1995)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the following matters raised in its previous direct request:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee noted that the Labour (Minimum Rates of Wages) Order 1988 fixed the minimum rate of wages for all workers in places specified in the Order, while in the Labour Act domestic servants were not included in the definition of "worker". It requests the Government to indicate whether any arrangements are made for domestic servants and what consultations have taken place with the organizations of workers and employers in this respect.

Article 3, paragraph 2(2). The Committee noted that section 28(2) of the Labour Act provides that before fixing a minimum rate of wage for any workers, the Minister should consult with the representatives of the employers and workers concerned. It hopes that the Government will indicate what measures have been taken to ensure the association, in equal numbers and on equal terms, of the employers and workers concerned in the operation of the minimum wage fixing machinery as required by this provision of the Convention.

Article 4, paragraph 1. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that the employers and workers concerned are informed of the minimum rate of wages in force. It requests the Government to supply information on the organization and results of the activities of the inspection services.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1994, published 81st ILC session (1994)

The Committee notes with regret that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the following matters raised in its previous direct request:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee noted that the Labour (Minimum Rates of Wages) Order 1988 fixed the minimum rate of wages for all workers in places specified in the Order, while in the Labour Act domestic servants were not included in the definition of "worker". It requests the Government to indicate whether any arrangements are made for domestic servants and what consultations have taken place with the organizations of workers and employers in this respect.

Article 3, paragraph 2(2). The Committee noted that section 28(2) of the Labour Act provides that before fixing a minimum rate of wage for any workers, the Minister should consult with the representatives of the employers and workers concerned. It hopes that the Government will indicate what measures have been taken to ensure the association, in equal numbers and on equal terms, of the employers and workers concerned in the operation of the minimum wage fixing machinery as required by this provision of the Convention.

Article 4, paragraph 1. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that the employers and workers concerned are informed of the minimum rate of wages in force. It requests the Government to supply information on the organization and results of the activities of the inspection services.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1993, published 80th ILC session (1993)

The Committee notes that the Government's report has not been received. It hopes that a report will be supplied for examination by the Committee at its next session and that it will contain full information on the following matters raised in its previous direct request:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee noted that the Labour (Minimum Rates of Wages) Order 1988 fixed the minimum rate of wages for all workers in places specified in the Order, while in the Labour Act domestic servants were not included in the definition of "worker". It requests the Government to indicate whether any arrangements are made for domestic servants and what consultations have taken place with the organizations of workers and employers in this respect.

Article 3, paragraph 2(2). The Committee noted that section 28(2) of the Labour Act provides that before fixing a minimum rate of wage for any workers, the Minister should consult with the representatives of the employers and workers concerned. It hopes that the Government will indicate what measures have been taken to ensure the association, in equal numbers and on equal terms, of the employers and workers concerned in the operation of the minimum wage fixing machinery as required by this provision of the Convention.

Article 4, paragraph 1. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that the employers and workers concerned are informed of the minimum rate of wages in force. It requests the Government to supply information on the organization and results of the activities of the inspection services.

Direct Request (CEACR) - adopted 1989, published 76th ILC session (1989)

The Committee notes with interest the information supplied in the Government's first report. It requests the Government to supply further information on the following points:

Articles 1 and 2 of the Convention. The Committee notes that the Labour (Minimum Rates of Wages) Order 1988 fixes the minimum rate of wages for all workers in places specified in the Order, while in the Labour Act domestic servants are not included in the definition of "worker". It request the Government to indicate whether any arrangements are made for domestic servants and what consultations have taken place with the organisations of workers and employers in this respect.

Article 3, paragraph 2(2). The Committee notes that section 28(2) of the Labour Act provides that before fixing a minimum rate of wage for any workers, the Minister shall consult with the representatives of the employers and workers concerned. It hopes that the Government will indicate what measures have been taken to ensure the association, in equal numbers and on equal terms, of the employers and workers concerned in the operation of the minimum wage-fixing machinery as required by this provision of the Convention.

Article 4, paragraph 1. The Committee requests the Government to indicate the measures taken to ensure that the employers and workers concerned are informed of the minimum rate of wages in force. It requests the Government to supply information on the organisation and results of the activities of the inspection services.