Police used in eviction

 By JAYNE SAFIHAO

POLICE hired by Ramu Agri Industry Ltd (RAIL) were reported to have used force to evict the 265 workers from their company homes last weekend.

The mostly palm oil workers from the Dumpu estate should have returned to their home provinces this week, according to Ramu workers union president Jeffery Gundu.

RAIL general manager Jamie Graham, when contacted yesterday to confirm whether the workers were paid below the minimum 15 and 20 toea per bunch rate, said: “I have no comments as it’s under discussions. I am not going to be making any comments on anything while discussions with the union and labour are ongoing”.

Graham said that terms included in the collective bargaining agreement would be discussed.

It is understood a meeting was held yesterday but details are not known at this stage.

Concerned landowner Bill Muliap told The National yesterday the workers and their families were forced by a mobile police squad engaged by the company.

It was reported the police came from Lae, Goroka and Bulolo.

“I want the Government to conduct a full investigation into the affairs of the company as there is gross abuse of human rights issues here. These mill workers are forced slaves. 

“They are not given protective gear to harvest oil palm,” Muliap said.