The Lae Wharf is under threat of closure afterthPNG Maritime Union raised concerns over an advertisement that seeks new port terminal contractor to replacethe current stevedoring companies.
ThPNG Maritime Union is demandingthe National Government andthPNG Ports Cooperation, to addresstheir concern withinthe next two weeks.
The Maritime Union, representingthe three stevedoring companies atthe Lae wharf saidthey won't back down to any political views that won't addresstheir concerns.
ThPNGPCL chief executive officer, Stanley Alphonse came under fire bythe union, who demandedthPNGPCL to tellthe government and state enterprise minister to reviewthe existing laws regarding stevedoring businesses in Lae.
However, CEO, Stanley Alphonse said: “Any landowner interest won't be an inconvenient which was guaranteed by lawthe NEC decisions”.
ThPNG Ports Cooperation was criticized bythe union late last month for seeking anther stevedoring company through a media advertisement.
The Union claimed thatthere was no proper consultation betweePNGPCL andthe stevedoring companies-partly owned bythe Labu andthe Ahi landowners.
Dominic Mark, representingthe Ahi landowners said, “Ifthe union don't get any favorable response withinthe next fourteen days, we will shutthe wharf”.
However, Morobe governor Kelly Naru condemnedthe intended actions ofthe union and called for proper dialogue betweenthe union and stakeholders involved before carrying out futher actions. “Ifthe union wants to mover in that direction, I would askthem to come and see me first so we could discuss first before advancingtheir grievances,” said governor Naru.
There is now a growing threat that any futher actions taken bythPNG Maritime Union will affectthe entire country, especiallythe inland mining operation.
Edwin Fidelis, National EMTV News, Lae
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