Concerned professionals spokesperson, Captain James Makop, says Air Niugini management’s decision to sack the eight pilots was made under duress.
Makop told Loop PNG that the decision was presumptuous and was against certain regulations and principles.
He described the scenario as a sad day for PNG that professional pilots who have contributed greatly to the country's development should be terminated based purely on political speculations.
He added that it will be a subject for the Labour and Industry Department and the judiciary to adjudicate.
Makop claimed that the decision was taken by the Air Niugini management to satisfy their political masters’ need for punitive measures.
“All, without due regard to the interests of the people of PNG, given that pilots, especially expats, are resigning, not interested in seeking employment with the airline, more so nationals now seriously considering jobs abroad,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Don Polye also labelled the termination of the eight national pilots as ‘a mere retaliation and suppression of human rights by the government’.
Polye in a statement said he was concerned with the manner in which Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his government were engaged in a witch-hunt to suppress those who stood up to protect the country’s rule of law, institutions, democracy and to fight corruption.
However, O’Neill said the action of Air Niugini pilots, which resulted in many flights being cancelled in the month of July, 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 in the month of July, resulting in three consecutive days of flight delays and cancellations.
It was understood that the pilots took the stand in a sit-in protest, calling on the Prime Minister to resign. Regardless of that, PM O’Neill won the vote of no-confidence and regained his seat.
Air Niugini chief executive officer, Simon Foo, said the actions of the pilots have caused Air Niugini’s image and branding, resulting in the airline losing valued customers to the opposition airlines.
However, Foo said despite these challenges, Air Niugini continued to provide safe airline services to the travelling public.
He added that pilots who reported sick were requested to consult the company doctor to verify their claims, but this did not eventuate. This was why the management came up with the decision to terminate them.