American Express inconsistent

We, 49 employees, who have been dismissed by American Express, are very disappointed at the decision by the management. Under the pretext of efficiency, American Express sent a proposal to the legal counsel for labor disputes (P4P) in the Ministry of Manpower to get an approval to terminate us. P4P agreed to the proposal as of Aug. 2, 1999. It was an official decision of our government, but as far as we are concerned, it was a discordant decision.

As a "healthy" multi-national company which has been operating in Indonesia for over 30 years, American Express has dared to terminate our employment just like the restructured and/or liquidated banks did.

That our dismissal was based on efficiency consideration is sheer nonsense. This is evident from the fact that the company arranged a "Town Hall" on Sept. 9, 1999 at a five-star hotel to give all employees an opportunity to step out of the office, which, we believe, is an expensive affair. The Town Hall could actually have been held at American Express' Blue Box Cafe, a multi-function room, if efficiency was really their concern.

We will receive economical severance packages following our termination. However, it's a small package if compared with the package given to the employees of the liquidated banks.

NUNU NUGRAHA

Jakarta