1,100 workers go on strike

1,100 workers go on strike

TANGERANG (JP): At least 1,100 workers of wood processing
company PT Jabar Utama Wood Industry in Cikupa went on strike
Saturday, demanding annual bonuses and other benefits.

The workers began a sit-in protest at the company's factory
compound at 8 a.m., demanding improvements to their food menu,
increased allowances for transportation and the continuance of
their shift working allowances.

The workers' representatives presented their demands to
company executives and officials from the Tangerang office of the
Ministry of Manpower three hours later.

The workers threatened to continue their strike if the
company's management did not address all of their demands.

"We will not stop the strike if they don't hear our demands.
We'll see what will happen," said one of the protesters, who
asked for anonymity.

The strike was sparked by a company announcement abolishing
this year's bonus and a shift working allowance of Rp 250 per day
because of the monetary crisis, the protester said.

He said at least 310 of his fellow workers had been laid off a
few months ago.

Jabar Utama is a subsidiary of PT Barito Pacific Timber, which
is controlled by tycoon Prajogo Pangestu.

The company's personnel manager, Romby Sitompul, confirmed
that the company was suffering from its worst financial
performance and that if the situation did not improve, it could
be forced into bankruptcy.

The company still imported 60 percent of its raw materials, he
said.

Sudharmono, an official with the Ministry of Manpower, said
his office could not pressure the company to meet all of the
workers' demands because the bonus was not stipulated in their
working agreement.

"But since the bonus is still being discussed, the workers
should resume working as usual," Sudharmono said. (41/jun)