19 May 2006

PNG government moves on teachers' strike

10:12 am on 19 May 2006

The Papua New Guinea prime minister has asked the Education Minister to look into the strike action by teachers which has forced schools across the country to close.

The teachers have been on strike since Wednesday last week over their demands for a four percent wage increase and a seven per cent rise in housing allowances.

The Teachers Association in Papua New Guinea will meet with its members today to brief them on Wednesday's meeting with the National Education Board and the Government.

Our correspondent in Papua New Guinea, Alex Rheneey, says teachers have been fighting for better pay and working conditions for some time now.

He says this strike action by teachers is being taken seriously the government.

"This is the first time the prime minister has actually come out and asked the education minister to put together a taskforce, who have been given the responsibility of putting together a submission, which will go before Cabinet next week. So that's a positive move for the teachers."

Alex Rheneey says some teachers have decided to return to work while talks are continuing.