Man fails in jobs claim against PNG Ports

By ALICE OSII
A FORMER maintenance manager has failed to prove in court that he was wrongly dismissed by PNG Ports seven years ago.
The Waigani National Court dismissed Edward Aisi’s claims on Friday because he had failed to prove his case.
PNG Ports claimed that Aisi had “authorised and facilitated” the removal of sand and gravel, pipes and plumbing accessories and roofing iron and other material from its premises in Port Moresby in 2011.
Ports also said Aisi had abused his position as maintenance manager to direct company employees and used company assets like vehicles and welding gear for his private use.
Aisi was suspended on full pay while investigations were conducted into the allegations he was dismissed after that.
Aisi was represented by George Koare, of the Koare Lawyers, who told the court that Aisi’s contract was terminated prematurely without cause.
He said Aisi was not issued a warning letter and was defamed because the allegations against him were false.
He has not been able to find alternative employment.
Judge Stephen Kassman dismissed the application because Aisi failed to prove wrongful termination.
“He did not provide any evidence in support of the claim of defamation and because there is no evidence, the defamation claim is also dismissed,” Justice Kassman said.
“I am satisfied Aisi failed in his obligations under the contract to always act in the best interests of the employer and his actions constituted improper conduct in the discharge of his official duties.
The court ordered Aisi to pay PNG Ports’ costs.