PNG trade unions to push for pay rises

PNG trade unions to push for pay rises

12 February 2001

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PNG TRADE UNIONS TO PUSH FOR PAY RISES

http://www.abc.net.au/news/newslink/nat/newsnat-12feb2001-45.htm

Papua New Guinea trade unions are warning they will push for significant pay rises in the coming weeks, ABC National Radio reports.

The unions say a recent huge pay rise for politicians makes a mockery of the Government's call for wages restraint.

Dr Bob Danaya, the head of the National Doctors and Health Workers Association says unions had respected the Government's call for moderation in the national interest.

But the secret pay rise for politicians and bureaucrats means all bets

are off.

Dr Danaya says the Government has insulted Papua New Guinea workers, and is taking from people who have very little in order to further enrich the country's elite.

Leading social justice campaigner Sir Anthony Siaguru says he is concerned about a possible conflict of interest in the politicians pay

rise.

The commission that approved it is headed by the speaker of Parliament whose salary almost doubled.

Sir Anthony has urged the Government to make the process independent of politicians.

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