UPNG Admin calls for classes to return to normal

The University of Papua New Guinea Administration has called for classes to return to normal immediately.

This follows the voluntary withdrawal of teaching and assessment component of service on Monday by the members of the National Academic Staff Association at the UPNG.

University Vice Chancellor Professor Albert Mellam said the stop work by the staff is illegal as it is not properly sanctioned by the university and the Industrial Registrar.

Mellam said any staff member who participates in this illegal action is in breach of contract and will be subject to corrective measures of the University Council based on legal advice.

UPNG Acting Chancellor Dr Nicholas Mann added that the administration is gravely concerned about the continuing students who are striving to complete their delayed 2016 Semester Two classes.

Dr Mann said it is a concern that the students will become the victims of the illegal industrial action.

“I hope that commonsense prevails and that classes return to normal immediately for the sake of our students who are the products of our teaching and activities,” Dr Mann said.

The purpose of the staff members’ planned stop work is due to their outstanding 7.5 percent pay increment for all public servants, commencing in 2012.

Dr Mann said they’re in constant dialogue with responsible authorities and those concerned since 2013 and are working to resolve the issue.

Author: 
Quintina Naime