by Benny Geteng – EM TV, Port Moresby
Barrick Niugini Limited has confirmed that they have received a petition from the management of Total Cleaning and Household Services (TCHS) Limited.
The TCHS petition protests Barrick’s decision of not renewing its janitorial services contract with TCHS.
Executive General Manager (PNG), Mr Greg Walker received the petition on Wednesday, 29th October on behalf of Barrick (Niugini) Limited.
Mr Walker said Barrick respected the right of TCHS to protest the commercial decision and was present in person to receive the petition.
He stated that it was unfortunate that TCHS had chosen to protest a straightforward commercial decision which Barrick made following a review of its contractual needs of awarding the contract to Ipili Wanda Investments (IWI) for their labour hire component of the cleaning and janitorial services contract.
IWI is the commercial arm of non-government organisation the Porgera District Women’s Association (PDWA) that has a current membership of more than 4,000 local women.
The cleaning services were previously provided by TCHS under a contract that expires on the 28th of November this year.
“An important issue for me is that the former contractor’s employees will not be disadvantaged, as the new contractor (IWI) has offered to take on any of the current employees under the same conditions they are currently employed,” Mr Walker said.
He said that the Barrick management team will respond formally to the petition.
Effective 29th November this year, IWI will be the contractor for the cleaning and janitorial services.
Barrick has awarded IWI the contract on these grounds.
