WPNG’s pay structure okayed by govt

I WRITE in response to an article in The National (April 5) and a related letter to the editor on April 19 which called for an investigation into Water PNG’s (WPNG) salary structure.
Below are points contained in a letter from the Salaries and Conditions Monitoring Committee (SCMC) chairman John Kali and his board to WPNG chairman William Sweet on Sept 28, 2010, which puts the record straight:
l    SCMC commends your board for continuing to comply with government remuneration policies and for following legitimate processes;
l    The committee also noted that all conditions under the government’s pay policy principles have been adhered to; and
l    Accordingly, the committee has approved your submission in its entirety.
By SCMC approval, WPNG pays basic salary and housing allowance to all staff and from Grade 6 and above BS, HA and domestic market allowance to all.
A submission for the current salary structure went through due process and ap­provals.
All staff from Grades 1-18  had increases in their salaries.
I challenge the WPNG Union to provide names of employers who match the company’s remuneration package.
On the second point of access to safe water in Lae, there has been much progress with minimal government funding to improve access to many our people.
Lae is the largest operational town of WPNG.
More than 60% of operational centres are cost-centres and they do not make any profit.
Finally, WPNG has never discouraged workers from joining the union.
Mr Waine, you should refrain from making unfounded allegations and concentrate on addressing more pressing union issues.
 

J.Kaut            

Public Relations Officer
 Water PNG