2000 workers on strike over union establishment
TANGERANG (JP): At least 2,000 workers of PT Sarkis Pacific shoe and sandal manufacturing company went on strike yesterday demanding that a labor union be set up in the company.
Unfurling banners, the workers refused to work until their demand is fulfilled.
"We will continue striking until the management of the company fulfills our demand," some striking workers told reporters.
They said the demand was submitted in November last year, but it was rejected by the company on the grounds that the workers are not "mature" enough to set up a labor union.
The company, they said, promised that a labor union would be formed earlier this month. But up to now the promise has not been fulfilled.
The workers said last month they sent a letter to the central board of the All Indonesian Workers Union (SPSI) stating their desire to set up an SPSI-affiliated labor union. SPSI officials asked them to raise a written proposal with the management of the company.
They then sent a written statement signed by 150 workers.
But instead of having their demand satisfied, the company's management fired 15 of the signatories without severance pay.
"That's too much so we decided to strike," one of the workers said.
The workers also demanded that the company provide them with health facilities, food allowances, incentive bonuses, sick leave and the right to perform prayers. They also asked that the 15 workers be reinstated.
Arsyad, one of the board members of the Tangerang SPSI, said PT Sarkis Pacific should have obtained a letter of approval from the Ministry of Manpower before deciding to fire the workers.
"In line with the existing rules, a company which decides to dismiss 10 or more workers should get the approval of the ministry," Arsyad said, adding that the firing of the workers by PT Sarkis Pacific was illegal.
PT Sarkis Pacific officials refused to comment.
"No comment," said K. Sinulingga, the head of the company's personnel department when asked about the workers' protest. (13/bas)