‘Recognise your workforce’

SKILLS training and human resources development should not be a knee-jerk reaction to the needs of industries and businesses in Papua New Guinea.
Employers must respect the rights of workers and believe in fair wages for a fair day’s work because skills training and human resources development are ongoing lifelong commitment for employers, workers and the government.
Employers Federation executive director Florence Willie said the International Labour Organisation (ILO) was instrumental in the push to recognise the rights of workers and employers in the world.
“PNG does not need 5,000 Fijians coming to work on our liquefied natural gas (LNG) project. Instead, we should have our own certification of quality people with different trades.
“For employers in PNG some have the expertise but the downside is that when they invest a lot in their workers in training and other benefits, the workers tend to leave for greener pastures,” Willie said at a Labour Day gathering themed “Skills training and human resources development for PNG” in view of the LNG at the Port Moresby Country Club last Thursday.
She said going on strike should be the last resort for private sector workers, adding that those in the essential service such as doctors, nurses and teachers must not take matters into their own hands but go through the proper procedures.
“The federation calls on unions to respect the laws and comply with the requirements of the law. Both private and public sector workers should try to settle disputes amicably before going to court,” Willie said.
She said private sector employers were the back bone of PNG’s economy.
“Productivity, profitability, good management and creating employment opportunities are the hallmark of responsible employers.
“Market opportunities and investments are plentiful but the processes and systems to access help or compliance take many months to achieve.
“Social dialogues, tripartism, collective bargaining, freedom of association are all unique features,” she said.
Labour and Industrial Relations acting secretary George Arua said the government in recognition of its unskilled workforce had established the 2008 national minimum wage board which had set K2.29 per hour the national minimum wage per hour effective last April 16. It is now being subjected for review by the social partners.
“Undoubtedly, the human resources development through the necessary skills training and expertise is crucially important as it provides the industries with the qualified people to man the professional, technical and related occupations.
“The skills development schemes helps to assess what the skills in the workforce, what skills are brought in by the non-citizens and what training is required,” Arua said.