Workers strike over pay dispute

By EMMANUEL MAIPE
CONSTRUCTION workers at two hotel sites in Port Moresby went on strike yesterday over a pay dispute with their employer.
They are employed by the Canam Construction Company.
They gathered in the morning at the Holiday Inn  construction sites demanding that the company address the pay rate issue.
Their spokesmen Raphael Kokina said the company had promised to increase their pay-rate when they started work at the two hotel sites.
They presented a list of names and demands to their employer yesterday.
Kokina said if the company did not address the issues immediately, they would all resign.
The company however was surprised when the workers walked off their jobs.
Steven Jones, the surveyor in charge of the construction operation, said he was surprised when the workers went on strike.
He said they had resolved the issue regarding the pay rates and pay rise last October.
Jones said working conditions were good and the workers were treated well.
He said only workers with additional responsibilities were to get pay rises.
The workers however want the company to address their grievances. They are planning a mass resignation.

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