Ok Tedi workers union members protest

 By SHEILA MALKEN

MEMBERS of the Ok Tedi Allied Workers Union staged a peaceful protest on Wednesday to force attention on 

the 17-point petition they sent to Prime Minister Peter O’Neill.

The union has 1,700 registered members.

Provincial police commander Insp Silva Sikar said the protest was related to their demands presented to O’Neill in August. 

“Most of the workers stayed within the OTML premises but refused to work. Some contractors and truck operators went back to work yesterday,” Sikar said. He said the workers were unhappy because some of their demands had not been met.

Sikar warned those on strike to avoid intimidating their colleagues who wanted to continue working.

“Police will arrest those who threaten other workers and stop them from (going to) work,” Sikar said.

He said the protest was peaceful and he hoped they would sort out the differences and return to work.

The local police mobile squad is monitoring developments in the area.