PNGTUC SAYS ELECTION FUNDING DISPUTE DOES NOT MEET LEGAL THRESHOLD FOR STRIKE

THE Papua New Guinea Trade Union Congress (PNGTUC) says it cannot lawfully organise a nationwide strike over concerns about delayed Electoral Commission funding because the matter falls outside the scope of industrial relations legislation.

Speaking on the NASFUND FM100 Talkback Show, Acting Secretary General Anton Sekum said there is widespread misunderstanding about the powers of trade unions, explaining that industrial action can only be taken where there is a legitimate employment or industrial relations dispute.

He said Papua New Guinea’s labour laws require unions to follow strict legal procedures before any protected strike can proceed, including conducting a secret ballot among union members.

Mr. Sekum said any industrial action taken outside those legal requirements would be regarded as unlawful and could expose union leaders and members to legal consequences.

He stressed that while the Trade Union Congress remained committed to advocating for workers and good governance, it also had a responsibility to ensure all actions taken complied with the country’s industrial relations laws.