Workshop crew of Gold Ridge Mining Limited (GRML) have raised
complaints of unfair treatment, discrimination and abuse by their foreign boss
regularly and call on relevant authorities to urgently address this.
These locals said they could not bear such a treatment anymore and want to come out to the media to let the public and relevant authorities know what is happening at their workplace.
The GRML workshop staff claimed they have been working under duress and fear under the supervision of their boss Mr Simon Mangini.
“We have complaint to our management but due to the company’s structure of command we believe our complaints have never reached the top bosses,” they said.
The workshop crew described Mr Mangini and another foreign national as racist, discriminatory, unfair, inconsiderate, disrespectful and lacks managerial skills, knowledge, experience and qualities to effectively manage the services provided by GRML workshop.
The staff claimed the use of offensive and abusive language towards them and labeling workers with animal names and use of insulting comments which said to have hurt the local crew.
On other occasions it was claimed Mr Mangini told another worker to take his bedding and his family to the toilet. Another worker claimed Mr Mangini called him a turtle during one prestart meeting.
Another officer claimed while having his late lunch Mr Mangini remove his lunch and threw it away without questioning him.
Claims of discriminatory practices such as favoritism, making demeaning comments and labeling local workers as cheap labour is of greater concern to them.
The locals said unfair dismissal with no clear reasoning is another issue.
They said recently four PNG nationals and an Australian citizen were dismissed over reasons known only to their supervisor.
These five men are said to have worked very closely with the locals and they benefited a lot from them through the skills and knowledge acquired from them.
The concerned officers are questioning the professional code of conduct of their boss.
The workshop crew said Mr Mangini’s promises for salary increase and trainings for them have never been fulfilled.
They said many of the workers cannot speak out for fear of losing their jobs.
“We call on the government, GRLM management and other relevant bodies to seriously address this matter.”
When Mr Mangini to comment on these allegations, he said they are absolute rubbish.
He said anything of such nature should be dealt with in house rather than going out to the media.
“Any complaints should go through proper channels like the company’s human resources department for proper actions to be taken.
“I assure you I have a good relationship with my workers, and we are a good family,” Mr Mangini said.
Chairman of Allied Gold who is currently in the country said the company will ensure such complaints will be properly investigated and dealt with according to the company’s strict process.
Mr Frank Terranova said anything of such nature is unacceptable to the company, however due process will be undertaken to address the issue.
He said at this stage he is not aware of such complaint however will ensure due process be taken.
But said a person is innocent until proven guilty of any allegations leveled against him.
The matter was also reported to the Labour Division and the office confirmed receiving the complaint letter.
However the Labour office said a joint operation with the immigration department will be arranged to investigate the complaints.
Deputy Commissioner of Labour told this paper his department will ensure a proper investigation is necessary and actions will be taken accordingly if there are sufficient evidences to prove these claims.
The employees call for urgent action otherwise this matter will get out of hand.
It was claimed as well that Mr Mangini is not an employee of Allied Gold but a private contractor supervising the GRML workshop.
And Stephen O’Sullivan is an employee of Allied Gold working as an auto electrician at the workshop and is a close associate of Mr Mangini the crew claimed.
BY Daniel Namosuaia
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