Employment Disputes - foreign workers in PNG

Hi there. Have you been able to get any information? I'm also in a situation. I have 3 salaries outstanding and they simply refuse to pay. I google but can't find anything that can help.

Hiring of workers are protected under the International Labor Organization.  There should be an Gov't agency in work country implementing/monitoring it.  They are the one who go after the principal (those in PNG, in your case) and to the agency (who recruited you to work in PNG/Principal.

Not sure how you will go.

CCH publishes the PNG Labour Act and they have the following commentary :

"Moreover, it seems that the Employment Act does not apply to non-citizens (Atlas Plant Hire Pty. Ltd. v Beck (1984)"

"...It seems that persons exempted from the provisions of the Act would have to rely on their common law rights (if any).

It appears as if you would have to hire a lawyer to sue which may be a very expensive exercise.

I think I know which company you are talking about.  I know of 2 other employees who were treated exactly the same.

Perhaps contact the NZ Consul?  It's not right that a NZ company can operate in PNG like that.

Hi, thanks for your comments.  I have emailed the IOL PNG office to see what help (if any) they can provide,waiting for them to respond.  I am seeking legal advice in New Zealand.  If it is the company that you are thinking of and you know of two others, it might be worth the three of us getting together and see if we can make this company sit up and  take responsibility for its actions and therefore the consequences.  I can be reached on [email protected].

Is the company involved in construction?  Are they involved in building something for the hospitality industry?

If so we are talking about the same company.

No, they are involved in driver assessing/training - seems like there is more than one charlatan NZ company trading in PNG!

Just wondering how you went with all of this?

Still in the process of getting sorted.  The ex boss thinks that because he ignores emails and requests for information that it will all go away.  Managed to get in touch with a mediator who covers PNG and she was going to see what she could do - however I will not hold my breath.  The PNG solicitor that we contacted was only interested in his fees! Very frustrating.