Manus police on alert as Paladin staff go on strike

POLICE on Manus Island are on full alert as local Paladin staff providing security to the three refugee camps on the island staged a sit-in protest on Tuesday.
The sit-in protest is to press demands for better working conditions, including pay increases, overtime, bonuses, life insurance, holiday pay and food rations while on duty.
Manus provincial police commander Chief Inspector David Yapu attended a meeting organised by Paladin Solution to address the workers’ demands.
Yapu was accompanied by members of Mobile Squad 18 to ensure a peaceful environment prevailed for both parties to discuss and address the issues raised by the workers.
Police are currently patrolling and monitoring the three refugee camps on Manus Island as Paladin Solution flew in 25 security personels from Port Moresby on Wednesday to provide backup while the protesters were not working.
Chief Inspector Yapu appealed to the protesters not to cause any problems while waiting for the outcome of their demands.
He warned the protesters to wait patiently for a decision to be made on their claims.