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)