Dept starts review of labour laws

By HELEN TARAWA
DEPARTMENT of Labour and Industrial Relations has commenced review of the Industrial Relations Act 1962 which will lead to establishment of the industrial relations commission.
Secretary Mary Morola told the first labour laws reform roadshow yesterday said the reforms had come a long way.
“It has come with its challenges,” she said.
“It hasn’t been an easy journey, but nevertheless, much good progress has been made.
“Today is the first of the roadshow programme of the labour reform, which will be conducted in the next few months, commencing with Southern region in Port Moresby.
“It will take us throughout regional consultations with other important stakeholders as well as the public, interested individual workers and employers.”
Morola said the journey had started about 15 years ago with review of the laws.
She said the International Labour Organisation had supported with technical assistance in terms of labour administration.
“Two such important laws are the Industrial Relations Act of 1962 and Employment Act of 1978,” Morola said.
“This good work must continue and, this workshop will come up with some outcomes to point us the way forward.”
“This is so that we are able to progress important legislation in industrial relations, dispute settlements and also looking at improving terms and conditions of our workers.
“The basic terms and conditions of work must be provided for under the Employment Act.
“I hope that the review with major stakeholders and public will work towards the establishment of an industrial relations commission for PNG, establishment of the minimum wages commission and we have to improve and provide effective industrial dispute resolution process.”
The industrial relations commission will have jurisdiction over all industrial disputes.
It will consist of a chief commissioner and two commissioners.