Workers hope for recognition through labourers’ association

By TONY PALME
A BUSINESSMAN in Jiwaka has hailed workers in tea and coffee estates in the province for forming an association to look after their interests.
James Alu congratulated workers at the Bunum Wo WR Carpenters tea and coffee estate for forming the Papua New Guinea Agricultural Sector Labourers’ Association.
Alu opened the association’s new office in Banz last Saturday, and described it as the beginning of the plantation’s labourers call for government recognition as citizens of the country.
He lent his property in Banz town for the association’s office.
“I have never seen something like that. Plantation workers have never been mentioned or recognised as citizens of this country. They are a forgotten people,” Alu said.
“Plantation workers have never been recognised by the government.
“They have been putting up with poor working and living conditions since before independence.
“Plantation workers are the money-makers of this country. Most times we see them as dirty-looking people but they do a lot of physical work.
“That’s why their health is very poor.
“They are God’s people and citizens of this country.
“They pay taxes but they are some of the lowest-paid workers.”