Maritime workers query merger

THE PNG Maritime and Transport Union members want an assurance from Nasfund that their superannuation contributions are safe in the light of the proposed merger of third-level airline Airlines PNG with national carrier Air Niugini.
Nasfund is a major shareholder in Airlines PNG.
“We seek clarification as to what benefits contributing members will enjoy should the merger happen,” union president John Mahuk said in a statement yesterday.
“The share prices in Airlines PNG should also be explained to contributors, how much the shares were purchased for and the current value of shares.”
He said Nasfund contributors currently enjoyed discount travel with Airlines PNG. “Is this going to still be enjoyed in the merger? Is the merger going to affect Airlines PNG stock market listing?”
Mahuk said he supported other unions that the merger should not be an issue for discussion by politicians.
“Public Enterprises Minister Sir Mekere Mourata should not bulldoze this issue. He should consider the interest of ordinary people, not a few elites and politicians.
“Most state-owned enterprises are corporatised and are doing exceptionally well however, some need to be revisited and scrutinised to serve the interest of Papua New Guineans, not individuals.” 
Mahuk said that privatisation was rejected outright by the people in the last election therefore it should be thrown out of the window.
“I challenge the champions of the fight against corruption, Belden Namah, Sam Basil, Powes Parkop and Bart Philemon to question this latest proposed merger.”