Decent working conditions urged

By HARLYNE JOKU in Madang
THE Secretary for Labour and Industrial Relations David Tibu said yesterday he expects ENFI, the Chinese contractor of the multi-billion kina Ramu nickel mine, to comply with decent working conditions and health standards of the mineworkers as recommended by his report.
The Secretary and a team from the Labour Department, Ombudsman Commission and Madang provincial administration will be visiting the Basamuk campsite today to review the process.
Since the Labour Department visit mid last month, Mr Tibu and his team released a report which strongly recommended to stakeholders of the mine that certain working conditions were not complied with under International Labour Standards (ILO).
Their report highlighted indecent working conditions unfit for humans, which included rude open pit toilets, and cooking and eating facilities.
Mr Tibu told The National that he expected the mining contractor to comply with the directions he had given.
Mr Tibu said he had on his team the Industrial Registrar, who would be talking with national workers on the mine site to assist them in forming their union to address work issues.
He also called for a review of the MoA signed by interested parties in 2000.
He said his paramount concern was that workers’ conditions be protected in the rush for economic development.

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