by Theckla Gunga – EM TV News, Port Moresby
PNG Power employees through the Energy Workers Association have accepted the suggestion of a 20% pay rise from PPL’s Board and Management at lunch time today.
The EWA General Secretary, Santee Margis, said the suggestion was rejected by the union on Wednesday because the initial letter from the management only stated the pay rise but did not specify when the rise was to be paid.
“The PPL employees have through EWA accepted the pay rise and that money will be paid in the next pay day,” Margis said.
At lunch today the workers met with PPL’s Executive Director, John Mangos, at their Headquarters in Port Moresby and have decided to resume duties after the agreement was reached.
The compromise included an increase to the base salaries for all grades of PPL staff.
The sit in protest that began on Monday had come about following a claim of over K2 million being paid to the Executive Director as his annual salary. This includes other benefits he is entitled to.
However, Mr. Mangos today told EMTV News minutes after the compromise was reached today, that the delay in the Board and Management’s move to reach an agreement with the employees was because of the lack of communication between the three.
Mangos said while much of the concerns that led to the sit in protest were from historical issues, the Board will remain focused on moving PPL forward.
“Much of this (sit in protest) is because of historical issues,” Mangos said.
He said while not all outstanding issues can be resolved right away, Mangos has invited the three parties to come to round table discussions in the future to ensure their interests are met in the best ways suitable.
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