Staying put

By HELEN TARAWA
PRIME Minister Peter O’Neill says Carolyn Blacklock remains PNG Power Limited’s acting chief executive, rubbishing claims from industry sources that she had resigned.
O’Neill told The National yesterday that Blacklock was appointed to the position by the National Executive Council which was the only authority that would advise of any changes.
He said the NEC had not received any letter from PNG Power nor any notification of her resignation.
Reliable sources within PNG Power claimed Blacklock, who is currently overseas, had handed her resignation letter to the PNG Power board.
Chairman Peter Nupiri, could not be reached for comment but acting chief executive officer Douglas Mageo denied that Blacklock had resigned.
He said the only development he was aware of was a protest by union members last week.
“There was gathering of union members. We met with them and talked with them. There’s nothing that can be solved without dialogue,” Mageo said.
Blacklock could not be reached for comment yesterday but sources said she would be returning to work soon.
PNG Power workers who are members of the PNG Energy Workers Association had downed tools last week to protest outstanding issues including the dismantling of the Corporate Business Unit.
Association general secretary Santee Margis said the workers had raised their concerns about the dismantling of the unit as it would affect the enterprise agreement.
“Removing the business unit automatically disregarded the enterprise agreement with the staff matters currently outstanding and in dialogue,” he said.
“This would affect the claims and in-house issues especially the home ownership scheme. Some of the workers had obtained loans. Who is going to address it? Because of lack of consultation, it was a direct assault against the workforce and the union.”