Thursday's Post Courier.
Airlink payout ‘upsetting’
AIRLINK staff in Madang are seeking redress over the “finish” entitlements paid to them by the company following its abrupt closure.
The Post-Courier was told the payout was made last Friday in two categories, K1000 for those who had worked five years or more and a fortnight’s wages (to be paid this week) for those who had served three years or less.
A group of staff, who were visibly distressed, described the payout as a “slap in the face” and are demanding company executives to come out and explain how these amounts were calculated.
One staff, who requested anonymity, claimed nothing was given to them in black and white as to how the payments were calculated.
“What we got on Friday does not reflect our efforts and we have reason to believe we have not been paid accordingly,” the staffer said.
“As staff employed by an airline we were not given a month’s notice as is supposed to be the case of their decision to close to get our selves prepared. Instead we were given a 30-minute notice with instructions to pack our personal effects and to leave the building.
“Many of us have families to take care of and our lives have been turned upside down,” he said.
Another said some had taken out school fee loans for their children and said they did not know where they wouldfind the money to repay the banks. “Some of our children are now nearing their exams and for this to happen is injustice to them as they are innocent as not only do they face the prospect of being thrown out of school but on the streets with no roof over their heads. This is because those living in company rented homes have been given a month’s notice to move out,” he said. Another spokesperson for the group said they felt cheated. If the bosses were not prepared to address their issues they would be raising the matter with the Department of Labour and Employment. The bosses could not be reached for comment.
Meanwhile, all the aircraft operated by Airlink have since been moved to Goroka where their new base will be.
It is understood that a decision was reached that these aircraft will, under a new name, focus on providing charter and freight services and that only a skeletal staff of those retrenched will be retained to help carry out these services.