2 Jun 2008

Bank strike in PNG continues

3:27 pm on 2 June 2008

ANZ Bank workers in Papua New Guinea remain on strike despite management's claims that the action is illegal.

The workers are demanding better terms and conditions including a 50 percent wage increase, a sixty percent housing allowance and a 100 percent severance payment.

ANZ Bank managing director Garry Tunstall says the claims made by the workers' union are unreasonable as they are based on what staff in other countries get paid.

The National newspaper reports the union saying it remains open to negotiations and called on bank customers for their understanding.

Among its offers, the bank's management proposed salary increases of up to 10 percent for certain staff members, but the workers say this offer is discriminatory.