by Harlyne Joku
Papua New Guinea companies that pay their workers below the standard minimum wage of the K3.50 per hour rate will be penalized.
PNG’s Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Labour and Industrial Relations, John Rosso gave this warning last Friday (10th of February).
“Our main focus is enforcing there is compliance. We know that certain companies are not complying with decent work conditions and paying their workers below the minimum wage. We will be coming down heavily on them,” Minister Rosso said.
He made the remarks at a press conference last Friday to announce the ratification of three international treaties relating to International Labour Standards. The Treaties were the Violence and Harassment Convention no 190, Labour Inspection Convention 81 and Tripartite Consultation (international Labour Standards) Convention No 144.
DPM Rosso commended the Secretary for Labour and Employment George Taunakekei and his labour team for working hard to review and amend labour laws and draft the laws for parliament to ratify.
Mr Rosso said on the 18th of January 2023, the national parliament of Papua New Guinea passed a resolution by an absolute majority for the ratification of the Labour Inspection Convention 1947, (No 41) and the Tripartite (International Labour Standards) Consultation Convention, 1997 (no 144).
“In an evolving world of work, it is essential that the international labour standards cannot be overlooked.
“Labour Inspection is a vital public function. It is at the core of promoting and enforcing decent working conditions and ensures the respect for the fundamental principles of rights at work.
“ON the same note, the tripartite consultation convention is important. It sets forth an enabling platform for employers and workers to have effective consultation with government on matters relating to the application of international labour standards,’’ Mr R0sso said.
However, PNG’s National Tripartite Consultative Council (NTCC) has not held a meeting for more than two years according to the labour laws.
When asked when and why, Secretary of Labour and Employment Mr Taunakekei said the Covid 19 pandemic was the main cause of the delay plus having the members available to convene.
Mr Rosso also condemned all forms of violence and harassment including gender based violence the workplace.
“Violence and Harassment including Gender based Violence (GBV) in the world of work remains pervasive. In recent times reports and statistics on different forms of violence occurring has become alarming as we continue to read and hear about it not to mention the cases that go unreported each day. There should be no room for acts of violence and harassment in our workplaces.
“I take this stand to condemn all forms of violence and harassment and this includes gender based violence,” the concerned Deputy Prime Minister said.
The ILO International Labour Organisation Director for the Pacific Island Countries Matin Karimli who was present said the ILO will support the government on enforcement.
The PNG Trade Union Congress Vice President Mr Raphael Waiyalaka representing PNG workers said they support the review and new laws and will work closely with the government and employers to ensure the new laws are enforced.
The PNG Employers Federation Representative Winston Yuka also said the same.
Photo Courtesy: Nelson Thom
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