PNG Health Support Workers Association

Health support workers’ claim log to be heard

Interim executives of the Association say the log of claims have yet be heard by the tribunal due to administrative issues.

During a meeting with members, the interim executives said once that is sorted, their log of claims will be looked into by the tribunal.

During the meeting, PNGHSWA general secretary, Jack Suao, said the Association is recognised by the Solicitor General Office since October 31st and they are now able to proceed with the hearing of their log of claims.

Kali urged to reconsider log of claim

The claim was submitted last year by the association, asking for improved working terms and conditions.

As it is now, the health support workers are the lowest paid public servants, despite being the biggest human resource and key players in the health sector.

This group makes up the services of drug supply and delivery, administrative, legal and technical assistance to the clinical staff.

President Michael Laru said there is a huge gap which needs to be reduced immediately.

Health Support Workers Association legally registered!

The association is recognised by the Solicitor General's office.

This confirmation was made by the industrial registrar in a letter to the association, dated October 19.

The association received the letter on October 26 while the announcement was made today by the association's General Secretary, Jack Suao.

PNG Heath Support Workers Association was formed in 2014 to fight and improve working terms and conditions of the biggest group in the health sector.

We are legal, claims health association

The Association’s statement follows at the back of an article in one of the dailies.

General Secretary of the PNGHSWA, Jack Suao, says the registration of the association is proper and legal.

“We are prepared to defend ourselves when Kali wishes to take the matter to the courts,” he states.

“The Health Secretary should inform Kali of the notice of the registration letter from the office of the Registrar. Even the Health and Public Employees’ Association have not written their objections to the registration,” Suao says.

Proposed health strike deferred

The strike was planned to be effective as of 4.06pm on Friday, December 9, for the duration of three weeks. However, it was called off due to the arbitration tribunal in progress.

PNGHSWA general secretary Jack Suao confirms that they have started negotiations with the Department of Personnel Management and the National Department of Health.

The strike was planned against DPM for the prolonged delay on the log of claims, including their housing allowance, pay increase, leave entitlements and other industrial matters. 

Health workers association calls on Kali to resign

PNGHSWA has 3,000 members who have planned a nationwide strike on Friday, December 9 for the duration of three weeks.

PNGHSWA General Secretary Jack Suao said they had given DPM ample time of three weeks to respond to their grievances however to date, DMP has not shown a positive response.

Suao explained that the call for his resignation is to pave way for a better individual to step in and address the prolonged delay on their log of claims.

These include their housing allowance, pay increase, leave entitlements and other industrial matters.   

3,000 health support workers to go on nationwide strike

The strike will be effective at of 4:06pm on Friday for the duration of three weeks as voted for by the members of the concerned PNGHSWA and declared on November 15.

The planned strike will be taken against the Department of Personnel Management (DPM) for prolonged delay on the log of claims which includes housing allowance, pay increase, leave entitlements and other industrial matters. 

PNGHSWA general secretary Jack Suao said they have given DPM an ample time of three weeks to respond to their grievances however to date, DMP has not shown a positive response.