News

Port-Vila, Vanuatu, Thursday 28th March 2019 – Air Vanuatu has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Department of Labor and Employment Services.

This MOU lays the groundwork for a close and productive working relationship between Vanuatu’s national airline and the office of the government’s Commissioner of Labor and employment services. It provides for proactive consultation and communication on a wide range of employment issues, including interpretation and application of employment law and labor policies, staff development and succession planning, and compliance with the work permit under the (Amendment) Act of 2018.

“We respect the important contribution being made by our 400 employees here in Vanuatu and in Australia and New Zealand,” says Derek Nice, Air Vanuatu Chief Executive Officer.

“We can only achieve our ambitious Vision 2030 if we continue building a positive work place culture in which every single one of our staff members can feel valued and trusted. Succession planning and individual career development are going to be the cornerstone of our business strategy in the years to come.”

The new MOU recognizes the unique role Air Vanuatu plays as one of the country’s largest employers, its commitment to safety, and its role in linking Air Vanuatu with the world. Under the terms of the MOU, the two parties will meet regularly to review developments in regulations and labor law, the airline’s staffing needs and its succession planning.

“We are delighted to be taking this proactive approach with the national carrier,” says Murielle Meltenoven, Commissioner of Labor. “The Department of Labor and Employment Services is committed to working hand-in-hand with Air Vanuatu to ensure compliance with labor legislation, including work permits for foreign employees, to support local employment of Ni-Vanuatu and to contribute to the growth of the air transportation and tourism industry.”

She also invites other local business houses to follow the lead taken by Air Vanuatu and seek appropriate guidance from the Department of Labor and Employment Services.

Contact for the media:

Paul PIO
Manager Marketing and Communication
Air Vanuatu (Operations) Ltd
E – ppio@airvanuatu.vu

Tel - +678 7120111 or +678 20200 ext. 811