POLYE TOLD COALITION OF UNION WORKERS: FIGHT FOR YOUR RIGHTS, COMPROMISING YOUR STANCE IS JUSTICE DENIED The Coalition of Workers Unions has been told to fight for their rights to avoid any suppression and not to compromise their stance as it denies justice. The Opposition Leader Don Polye said human rights must be respected, promoted and cared for, and fight against those who marginalise it. “It is a moral sin for the Prime Minister Peter O’Neill and his government to continue to overlook the rights of our people. “The first preference must be given to our locals as it is our right to jobs reserved for our indigenous people both in private and public sectors,” said Mr Polye when addressing the workers at Jack Pidik park in Port Moresby. He said he welcomed the expatriates but they have 'to respect our rule of law and human rights.' Polye was accompanied by his Deputy Sam Basil to receive their petition as the Prime Minister was reluctant to do so. He said there were two components in rights which the government was obliged to, citing the first is to promote its people’s rights and the second is to fight against those who want to marginalise these rights. “The government has overlooked both so you are here to do it yourself. “The Opposition believes in human rights, justice and rule of law and that we will always protect our people’s rights,” he said. Polye said laws were broken by the government time and time again and even the managements and the boards of SOEs. He, however, said they were not there to incite the unions, adding the Opposition intervened as the workers turn the wheels of the economy. “The IBPC Act has been breached and the government has flawed to suit its convenience. “Good governments always admit errors and quickly correct their mistakes. It is the moral obligation of the government to correct it,” he said. Polye further said this morality was lacking in the Prime Minister and his government. “I have had my own experiences where the O’Neill government had breached the Section 209 of the Constitution when the Prime Minister secured the bad K3 UBS loan. “Our people have to be properly explained its ramifications, told of the government’s positions, decisions and policy. The government bulldozing all these behind closed doors is unorthodox,” he said. He said when the Somare government was about to introduce a new policy Public-Private partnership, a nationwide consultation was done and it was debated on the floor of Parliament. “What is the O’Neill government’s position? Has he announced it? Where is the exit strategy? It is your right to understand it. We cannot continue to tolerate back door, window and under the carpet deals. There is no clarity. It is not a trivial issue. It is an issue of national interest. I am not saying it to get your support. I can see dangers looming in the horizon. These are our inherent rights. What future is there for our children to get employed?” said a concerned Polye. He has called on the government to rescind its decisions and support human rights. “Human rights and human values should take precedence. We have to serve our people with our heart,” said Mr Polye.
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