1,200 workers go on strike

1,200 workers go on strike

TANGERANG (JP): About 1,200 workers of a zipper company went
on strike yesterday, protesting the management's plan to cut
their Idul Fitri bonuses by 10 percent.

The workers gathered outside the PT Fajarindo Poliman Zipper
factory and security guards were forced to move them into the
complex in a bid to prevent them from obstructing traffic.

The workers, most of whom are women, said that yesterday's
strike was staged because the company also cut their bonuses last
year without any explanation.

The workers do not oppose this year's cut as long as it is
done transparently and in line with existing regulations, one of
the protesters, who asked for anonymity, said.

A deputation met with representatives of the management but
failed to reach an agreement.

Muhyamin, a company executive, said the 10 percent cut had
been done in line with the regulations. He said a representative
of the taxation office would explain the misunderstanding but
apparently no representatives turned up.

Apon Suryana, head of the Tangerang office of Ministry of
Manpower, said his office had distributed a circular demanding
all companies pay workers their Idul Fitri bonuses.

"The employers are obliged to pay the bonuses amounting to one
month's salary for those who have worked at the company for 12
months," he said. "The bonuses must be paid seven days before the
Idul Fitri holiday." (41/hhr)