Papua New Guinea: Nurses to strike nationwide from Nov. 8 over pay issues

Event

The Papua New Guinea Nurses Association (PNGNA) has called on its members to join a nationwide strike as of Nov. 8, after the government failed to address their pay grievances. PNGNA has approximately 4,000 members, and the labor action could significantly impact medical services and public medical facilities, especially as many medical centers are already under strain from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is unclear how long the action will continue, but PNGNA leaders have said work will not resume until the government responds to their request.

PNGNA has also called on nurses to carry out sit-ins. The locations of the demonstrations are unclear, but actions are likely near central and provincial government offices and government-operated hospitals. Nurses will not interrupt access to or operations at medical facilities, but localized transport disruptions remain possible near any protest site, especially in major urban areas like Port Moresby and Lae.

Advice

Confirm medical appointments as a precaution. Plan for medical service delays. If possible, contact healthcare facilities in advance for information about wait times, which could vary among hospitals and clinics. Exercise caution near any protests; allow additional time to reach destinations near likely protest sites.