Telco workers want new deal to guarantee job security

Kumul Telikom workers are adamant that their sit-in protest will draw attention of the board and management to agree to an agreement for workers’ benefits and entitlements in the merger process.
PNG Communication Workers’ Union vice-president Alois Moire said the workers, about 400, would continue to protest until their grievances were resolved.
“The sit-in protest continues till (today),” he said.
“In (Wednesday’s) meeting we were verbally advised that with the transfer of business, the two entitles will pay Telikom certain fees.
“The management tried to explain to the workers but the workers are not buying that.
“They are responding to the workers on the changes taking place but we want to see it on paper and be sure that it will happen.”
Minister for Public Enterprise and State Investment William Duma said Telikom was not making money so the merger was needed to enable the company to compete with market leader Digicel.
Moire said the concern was how the staff would be distributed through the merged group.
“The union is asking for an agreement to guarantee job security for those on secondment and those who remain,” he said. “The workers who remain should be under the same agreement.
“Removing high revenue-generating businesses and network assets leaves Telikom with the business that cannot sustain its employees. That’s a concern for us now.”
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