10,000 women demand equality

10,000 women demand equality

SURABAYA, East Java: Kediri police doubled its presence on
Friday at cigarette maker PT Gudang Garam in Kediri, East Java to
monitor 10,000 female workers striking over holiday bonuses.

Kediri Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Fatkhur Rahman said that
there were some 750 security personnel deployed on Friday to
maintain security and order during the strike, in its second day.

"We increased the police and military presence to anticipate
any trouble. But, thank God, so far there has been no serious
problems except for a minor incident yesterday (Thursday)."

The striking workers were hired on a permanent basis last year
after working for the company as temporary workers for between 10
and 15 years. They demanded equal treatment with other workers,
including being paid holiday bonuses.

Fatkhur said police would not get involved in settling the
dispute. "Our job is to protect the parties and maintain
security," he said. --Antara