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)