The PNG Health Support Workers Association has called on the Secretary for Department of Public Management, John Kali, to recall and reconsider their 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.
This log of claim however, was rejected by Kali, who disputed their formation. It is now before the public service conciliation and arbitration tribunal under the Department of Industrial Relations.
Fortunately for the group, the association’s legality has been confirmed by the Industrial Registrar, as per the legal advice from the Solicitor General’s Office.
The association’s secretary general, Jack Suao, is appealing to Kali to recall the log of claim back to the management for proper negotiation with the Department of Health and DPM.
President Laru said an agreement has to be reached and signed in the month of November.
Failure to do so will see health support workers nationwide going on strike.
They have given Kali seven days to respond.
(File pic of the Secretary for Department of Public Management, John Kali)