19
March 2008
3,000 Filipino Workers in New Caledonia
(Sydney, 19 March 2008) Consul General Maria Theresa P. Lazaro of the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs on the results of her visit to New Caledonia from 16-17 March 2008. She reported on the excellent working conditions including industrial safety, food, accommodations and industrial relations of 3,000 Filipino workers in New Caledonia. The Filipino workers are currently constructing a US$3 Billion nickel and cobalt processing plant in a remote mountain area located 80 kilometers of Noumea and scheduled to be operational by early 2009.
Almost 2,400 of the workers came from two Philippine construction companies namely EEI and AG&P, while the rest of the Filipino workers were hired by foreign owned companies such as Cape East (British), CBI (British), Sarens (Dutch), Sodexho(French), Foster and Wheeler (American) , Lavalin (French), Goro (Brazilian/Canadian/Australian), Trinity Offshore Co(Singaporean), among others.
“The Filipino workers in this Project have proven themselves to be world-class in their efficiency, capability, discipline and high morale. The Project has also provided the opportunity for the Filipino construction companies, particularly EEI and AG&P to project their excellent engineering know-how and managerial professionalism in the construction of gargantuan projects such as the Goro Nickel plant in New Caledonia”, according to Consul General Lazaro.
New Caledonia is an autonomous Pacific Island Territory under French administration located 1979 kilometers east of Sydney. The territory of New Caledonia is composed of 12 major island with 33 cities and municipalities. Aside from its coral reefs, beaches and other tourist spots, it is also known as the 3rd largest nickel producing area of which 25% of the world’s known nickel resources are found here. Consular jurisdiction over the territory was assigned to the Philippine Consulate General in Sydney since 1995.
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