Protest is illegal: Sansan

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By LULU MARK
THE ongoing sit-in protest by nurses is illegal because the Government has not been officially informed of any industrial dispute, says Department of Personnel Management (DPM) secretary Taies Sansan.
She said the Government should have been informed of any industrial dispute or a call for withdrawal of labour registered by with Industrial Registrar.
She added that there was no secret ballot conducted by the nurses, therefore the notice issued for withdrawal of labour in the media was illegal and improper.
The Government is trying to address issues contained in the memorandum of agreement signed by the Government and the PNG Nurses Association (PNGNA) on Aug 25 last year.
“We have made a commitment to ensure duty-related allowance for this group of frontline health service providers for the next three years commencing Jan 1 2021 is agreed to,” she said.
“However, considering the severe budget constraints compounded by the Coronavirus (Covid-19), it would be more appropriate to find an amicable way forward to resolving the issue.”
One of the key issues is the provision for life and medical insurance cover for the nurses.
“We have been in constant consultation on this matter with the PNGNA and (Health Department) are doing everything possible to honour the awards,” she said.
Sansan said the last meeting held with all parties including the PNGNA present was on Sept 10 when the status of implementing the awards was provided.
She has assured PNGNA officials that the configuration of most of the allowances had been done and the new rates and allowances would start soon.
“The DPM is in constant dialogue with Department of Finance which will implement this on the payroll.
“I call on the PNG Nurses Association to withdraw the sit-in protest as it is illegal,” she said.