“Respect rules on casual jobs”

 Government and private institutions in East New Britain are in breach of labour laws governing the employment of casual workers.

Provincial labour officer Samuel Sowembari said many casual workers in towns and rural areas had  overstayed their period of employment.

“The legally–mandated period of employment for casuals in urban areas is between six days and three months,” he said.

“For casual workers in the rural settings, they should only do so for six days to six months.”

He said the department had  received many complaints from casuals who were not compensated (paid) for their services.

“I am calling on such employers, especially managers and their human resources officers, to rectify these problems and convert casuals to permanent employees if they want to retain their services,” he said.

“In doing so, employers must ensure such workers are paid in full, including all their entitlements as stipulated by law.

“We are aware of these defaulting employers and will come  hard on them if they continue to breach labour laws.”