By Michelle Steven – EMTV News, Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea Trade Union Congress (PNGTUC) President, John Paska, has responded to calls from the public to play a more active role in holding the government to account.
He said today that the role of the PNGTUC is not to remove government, but to ensure that the welfare of workers in the country, is not overlooked.
Papua New Guinea’s industrial relations function is a three-way system, with government, employers and unions, all contributing to open dialogue.
PNGTUC President, has been a long-serving advocate in the labour movement in Papua New Guinea and the welfare and rights of workers across the board.
During an interview with EMTV, Paska said many people do not understand the role of the PNGTUC.
Paska says with the APEC meeting coming next month, some of the most important issues that will be discussed will be about minimum wage.
According to Paska the country’s minimum wage of K3.50 per hour, is not practical to meet the cost of living which continues to rise every day.
Paska says the PNGTUC has over 70, 000 memberships, but due to their own reasons, most of them have pulled out from the congress.
The Police Union today paid a total of K10,000 in affiliation fees signalling its return to the PNGTUC.
