๐๐ค๐ง๐ฉ ๐๐ค๐ง๐๐จ๐๐ฎ, 9 ๐ ๐ช๐ก๐ฎ 2024:
Minister Sawang announced that social dialogue with the Governmentโs key partners โ the workers and the employers has been reinvigorated with the formal social partnership forum, the National Tripartite Consultative Council, resuming meetings this year after a gap of 6 years. โI am especially delighted that this mechanism for tripartite participation, which is embedded in law implements ILO Convention 144. I presented the ratification instruments to the ILO in Bangkok in September 2023 following the ratification by Parliament in February 2023.โ
The National Tripartite Consultative Council meetings provided an opportunity to discuss pressing issues for the labour market. Minister was especially pleased that NTCC considered and approved:
1. the terms of reference for the Minimum Wages Board;
2. the draft National Occupational Safety and Health Policy;
3. the scope of the Labour Force Survey planned for end-2024;
4. the proposed review and updating of standards for professional trades โ the National Occupational Skills Standard;
5. continued implementation of the Decent Work Country Program until a new program is formulated and endorsed; and
6. a recommendation to amend the quorum provisions in the Industrial Relations Act to expand the Government membership of NTCC to facilitate regular meetings.
Minister was especially grateful to her colleague Ministers, Treasurer Hon. Ian Ling-Stuckey, Minister for Energy Hon. Robert Naguri and Minister for Mining Hon Muguwa Dilu for participating in these meetings to ensure there was a quorum.
Minister Sawang also praised social partners for their commitment and participation in the meetings. Minister stated โI acknowledge and welcome the positive reengagement with our social partners โ the workers and the employers through their mandated representatives. With collective cooperative efforts we can advance the agenda for people-centred economic growth that results in expanded employment opportunities, appropriate skills development and quality jobs for our people.โ
โI assured the employers that Government would not unilaterally raise minimum wages and that we are committed to the statutory process that sets up a Minimum Wages Board with representation from our social partners that will seek input from all sectors of the economy to determine fair minimum wages whilst allowing continued business viability. The conclusion of the process of consultation, input and endorsement of the terms of reference from social partners permits the appointment of the Minimum Wages Board to now be considered by Cabinet.โ
Minister Sawang also expressed delight with the partnership with industry to review and update the standards for professional trades. โThis review is overdue. These standards are for certification of competencies gained not only through working and training in a formal environment but also through informal means. Skills recognition will support the transition from informal to formal jobs as well as enabling a pathway for continuous learning and upskilling with further qualifications under the PNG National Qualification Framework. In all, 10 standards will be updated starting with 4 this year. These standards will enhance workforce skills and support improved living standards. The partnership with industry is crucial to ensure that they reflect industry practices and I thank Ok Tedi Mining Limited for taking a prominent leading role. My Ministry and Department will continue to explore solutions with our social partners and with other government bodies on how we can tackle our unemployment problem in a structured and sustainable way.โ
๐๐ผ๐ป. ๐๐ฒ๐๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ฎ๐๐ฎ๐ป๐ด ๐ ๐ฃ
Member for Rai Coast;
Minister for Labour and Employment
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