1,100 workers go on strike<\/p>\n
TANGERANG (JP): At least 1,100 workers of wood processing
\ncompany PT Jabar Utama Wood Industry in Cikupa went on strike
\nSaturday, demanding annual bonuses and other benefits.<\/p>\n
The workers began a sit-in protest at the company's factory
\ncompound at 8 a.m., demanding improvements to their food menu,
\nincreased allowances for transportation and the continuance of
\ntheir shift working allowances.<\/p>\n
The workers' representatives presented their demands to
\ncompany executives and officials from the Tangerang office of the
\nMinistry of Manpower three hours later.<\/p>\n
The workers threatened to continue their strike if the
\ncompany's management did not address all of their demands.<\/p>\n
\"We will not stop the strike if they don't hear our demands.
\nWe'll see what will happen,\" said one of the protesters, who
\nasked for anonymity.<\/p>\n
The strike was sparked by a company announcement abolishing
\nthis year's bonus and a shift working allowance of Rp 250 per day
\nbecause of the monetary crisis, the protester said.<\/p>\n
He said at least 310 of his fellow workers had been laid off a
\nfew months ago.<\/p>\n
Jabar Utama is a subsidiary of PT Barito Pacific Timber, which
\nis controlled by tycoon Prajogo Pangestu.<\/p>\n
The company's personnel manager, Romby Sitompul, confirmed
\nthat the company was suffering from its worst financial
\nperformance and that if the situation did not improve, it could
\nbe forced into bankruptcy.<\/p>\n
The company still imported 60 percent of its raw materials, he
\nsaid.<\/p>\n
Sudharmono, an official with the Ministry of Manpower, said
\nhis office could not pressure the company to meet all of the
\nworkers' demands because the bonus was not stipulated in their
\nworking agreement.<\/p>\n
\"But since the bonus is still being discussed, the workers
\nshould resume working as usual,\" Sudharmono said. (41\/jun)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/1100-workers-go-on-strike-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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