Timber workers want seat on Forestry Board
Copyright 2000, The National (PNG)
December 12, 2000
THE PAPUA New Guinea Timber and Construction Workers Union (PNGTCWU) wants the Government to recognise its importance by giving it a seat on the revamped Forestry Board.
Union president Fred Mariman welcomed the changes to the Forestry Board following amendments to the Forestry Act approved by Parliament last week, but said the Government needs to go further.
Mr Mariman said timber workers need a voice on the Board that will deal with issues directly concerning their livelihood.
The union also called on the government to use the Board as a consultative forum that will take the industry forward and phase out unsavory practices that have given the sector a bad name.
The union also highlighted the fact that landowners do not have a voice on the Board.
Mr Mariman said "Many workers are landowners who are directly affected by the operations in the forestry industry. It is ludicrous to give some parties a seat at the Board table and leave those most affected outside".
Meanwhile, the PNG Trade Union Congress said it supported the call by the Union.
General Secretary John Paska said the PNGTUC supports the Government moves to make sure Papua New Guinea nationals have a far greater say in the operations of the Board.
But Mr Paska said it defies credibility that a Board making decisions that will impact on the forestry workers lives does not have a workers representative on it.
"The request for membership is totally consistent with any reform that is based on consultation," he said.