TUC wants explanation on Batia’s resignation

THE PNG Trade Union Congress (PNG TUC) is demanding an explanation on what it terms the “forced resignation” of former PNG Power Limited chief executive officer Obed Batia.
It is throwing its weight behind the PNG Energy Workers’ Union (PNGEWU) which is calling for Batia’s unconditional reinstatement.
Batia announced last week that he was tendering his resignation as CEO. No reason was offered.
His Koiari people, the PNGEWU and now the PNGTUC claim that Batia was forced to resign and that he was effectively relieved of his duties and responsibilities from about Jan 31, 2023.
PNGTUC acting secretary-general Anton Sekum said in a statement that it was an “elaborate scheme driven by sinister motives”.
“Individual ambitions, ulterior business interests and ultimately egos of politicians cannot be easily dismissed in this latest controversy surrounding the PNG Power Limited,” Sekum said.
Batia was succeeded by Nehemiah Naris, a lawyer previously employed by the Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited.
He was appointed by the board in January this year.
Sekum said Batia’s “forced resignation” was the latest in a litany of erroneous board decisions which showed that the board was not interested to genuinely turn around PNG Power from insolvency and to rehabilitate the failing power grid under its control.
Sekum said Batia was effectively made redundant in January when the board appointed Naris as his deputy and transferred management responsibilities to the latter.
The board has further taken out a court order preventing the Energy Workers Union from meeting.
It further sought to employ new workers on the condition they did not join the union.
Sekum said it was a direct violation of workers’ labour rights.
Sekum and PNGEWU officials had put these concerns in a petition to Prime Minister James Marape on Sept 20. They have not received a response.
On Sept 27, Labour Minister Kessy Sawang read the PM’s statement in Bangkok when PNG deposited the ratification of three ILO Conventions.
“Interestingly, a paragraph in the speech quotes Convention 81 and Convention 144 which deal with labour governance, and the ratification confirms the government’s aspirations and commitment to advancing social justice, protecting the right of workers and promoting social dialogue.
“This clearly points to hypocrisy of the highest order when our government proudly tells the international community about its commitments to advance social justice and protecting workers’ rights straight after sponsoring the abrogation of labour rights at home in PPL.”
No comment could be obtained from PNG Power Limited.