Observation (CEACR) - adopted 1996, published 85th ILC session (1997)

Right to Organise and Collective Bargaining Convention, 1949 (No. 98) - Papua New Guinea (Ratification: 1976)

The Committee notes the information supplied by the Government in its report.

The Committee had asked the Government to amend the national legislation which gives the authorities discretionary power to cancel arbitration awards or declare wages agreements void when they are contrary to government policy or national interest (section 42 of the Industrial Relations Act and section 52 of the Public Service Conciliation and Arbitration Act), contrary to Article 4 of the Convention.

The Committee notes that the Government states in its report that it has made a formal request to the ILO's multidisciplinary team in Manila to assist with the drafting of the country objectives for Papua New Guinea. The Government adds that it is hoped that the amendments to this legislation will be incorporated into the legislation during the forthcoming review of the legislation.

The Committee expresses the firm hope that the necessary amendments will be adopted at an early date to bring this legislation into conformity with the requirements of Article 4 of the Convention. It asks the Government to supply information in its next report on any progress made in this regard.