Action of Air Niugini pilots is a company issue: PM

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill says the action by Air Niugini pilots resulting in many flights being cancelled last week is a company issue.

“If you do not go to work, you are breaching your employment contract and you will be dealt with (by the company) as simple as that (because) it is not an industrial issue,” O’Neill said.

Many pilots called in sick, resulting in three consecutive days of flight delays and cancellations early last week. The pilots’ silent protest started two weeks ago. It is in line with the concerned professionals’ call for O’Neill to respect the rule of law and step down.

Air Niugini, in a statement on July 16th, said flights have returned to normal.

“The backlog of disrupted passengers is being cleared out of Port Moresby, including its domestic outports.”

Caption: File picture.

Author: 
Charles Yapumi