Judge dismisses claims of unfair termination

A JUDGE has dismissed a claim by a man that he was unfairly terminated by the PNG Power Limited in July 2014.
Justice Stephen Kassman ruled in the National Court in Waigani that the company did not breach any contract when it terminated Ernest Forofo, who had been engaged as a civil technical contractor.
He said there was no existing contract when the company issued him his termination letter.
Justice Kassman said Forofo received his final pay and entitlements totaling K22,736.93 without any protest as to the calculation or any other respect.
“Forofo’s plea for reconsideration and extension or renewal of the contract was refused by PPL and there was no breach of the law in that regard,” Justice Kassman said.
“The plaintiff’s claims are dismissed. As cost follow the event, the plaintiff shall pay the defendant’s cost of the proceedings on a party to party basis to be taxed if not agreed.”
The court was told that Forofo’s contract had expired on March 17, 2014. But he was given a three-month extension to continue work.
He was given a “non-renewal of contract” letter by then PPL chief executive officer John Tangit on July 7, 2014, advising him that his termination would be effective on July 25, 2014.
The court was told that Forofo was fairly treated by PPL, who not only extended his contract for three months, but also paid him a three-month salary.
The court heard that Forofo was contracted in September 13 2011 by PPL for three years as a civil technician at Rouna Power Center in Central few kilometers outside Port Moresby.