Find viable solution, parties told

By CLARISSA MOI
PARTIES involved in the cases regarding the Coronavirus (Covid-19) safety protocols in the workplace have been told to discuss and come up with a workable solution.
Deputy Chief Justice Ambeng Kandakasi said at the Waigani National Court yesterday that the parties needed to meet and consider the Government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said the parties needed to consider issues and rights at stake for the parties involved as well as the public.
Solicitor-General Tauvasa Tanuvasa, representing Health Minister Jelta Wong, National Pandemic Response Controller David Manning, the National Executive Council and the State, filed an affidavit which contained the National Control Centre Covid-19 Operational Blueprint and the Papua New Guinea Covid-19 Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan.
This was in response to the court’s previous orders for the Government to provide its response to the pandemic.
Justice Kandakasi said there needed to be common ground for both sides and for individual rights to be respected.
He described the situation where people were not complying with the safety protocols by not wearing face masks and practicing social distancing as “frightening”.
He also noted that the authorities were not implementing safety protocols.
“You have to find a balance that is workable for everyone,” he said.
“Not just for employees who wish not to get vaccinated but everybody else who will need to have a safe working environment.”
The case filed by employees of the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) is challenging the legality of the no-jab-no-job policy imposed at City Hall.
City manager Bernard Kipit, NCD Governor Powes Parkop and the NCDC were named as defendants.
George Kaore, representing the NCDC Workers Union, said they would need time to go through the Government’s pandemic response plan.
Justice Kandakasi said the parties would return with a statement of relevant facts and an agreement on the issues presented and be ready to address the court for it to consider for the matter to be settled by mediation.
The matter returns to court on March 28.