PNG mine strike costs Ok Tedi $5m a day

14/03/2008 22:17:27

Papua New Guinea's largest gold and copper mine, Ok Tedi, is losing $US5 million a day in revenue as a strike by mine workers over a pay dispute heads into its fourth day.

PNG's Ok Tedi mine says the stop work has affected its mining and milling operations.

Nearly 300 workers, who are members of the mine's Allied Workers Union walked off their jobs in protest over a pay rise.

The union claims some workers wages were increased, while majority missed out under an industrial awards agreement with the company.

The mine says the stop work is illegal.

PNG Labor officials are discussing with the striking workers to have them return to work.

PNG's trade union movement has offered its backing for the workers and urged Ok Tedi mine to treat all workers equally.

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