Union names acting president

 PNG Energy Workers Association has appointed senior vice president Polapan Kilangit as acting president.

The union executives met last Tuesday and agreed on the appointment following the termination of president Edward Gisa by the PNG Power Ltd management.

General secretary Santee Margis said a letter has been delivered to the Industrial Registrar informing her of Kilangit’s appointment.

“We have presidents in water, oil and gas (industries) and if the decision is made then other union executives in PNG can see that the law has made its interpretation,” Margis said. 

“There are presidents that have been terminated and nobody has pursued the case.  

“In the energy sector, we want to take this and set it as precedence and a future guide to all elected presidents. 

“We want to be given the assurance that the law is there to protect the interests of the union.

He said international unions and the coalition of unions in PNG have been informed and they were concerned about what has happened.

“Since the PNGEWA executives have decided to go to court our sister unions have given the endorsement of the idea. 

“Trade Union Congress General Secretary John Paska has agreed with the idea and Labour Department says the matter has to go to court because it is the only safety valve for all the elected executives.

“Our representatives have given their undertaking that whatever electrical decides they are prepared to give their support. 

“It is the first of its kind although other union presidents have faced similar consequences and PNGEWA have decided to go to court its interpretation.” Meanwhile, PNGEWA executives met with Puma Energy management last week and were given assurance of support because they have union members in their organisation.

“I acknowledge and appreciate Puma Energy management and their union representatives for their support. This is a very important case and the employees are prepared to assist the union,” Margis said.