1,200 workers strike over pay

1,200 workers strike over pay

TANGERANG, West Java (JP): Workers of two factories which
produce carton boxes and cans went on strike here yesterday to
demand a 30-day month pay packet, transportation allowances and a
higher meal allowance.

The 1,200 workers blocked Jl. Gatot Subroto KM 5, Tangerang,
where the factories are located and paralyzed local traffic
almost the whole day.

The protesters are workers of PT Multi Box Indah and PT Multi
Makmur Indah, which belong to the same group.

Waving banners and posters protesting what they called
arbitrary treatment by both managements, the workers also
demanded that two executives of the factories step down. The two
oppressed workers, the demonstrators said.

"We have received a 25-day salary a month since the new
minimum wage regulation was applied two months ago. We want our
rights for 30-day salary a month," said Rudi, a protester
representative.

The workers said the factories have never given them transport
allowances and have provided a daily meal allowance of only Rp
650 per person. "The minimum standard for daily meal allowance is
Rp 1,000," another protester said.

Nasrul Nasution, an official of the companies said there was
misunderstanding between the workers and the management. "They
demand transport allowance, higher meal and housing allowances
which are all beyond the companies' ability to fulfill," Nasution
said. (18/sur)