Bank employees consult legislature

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Delegates of some 800 employees of liquidated banks went on Tuesday to the legislature here, rejecting the application of the severance pay regulations in their case.

Spokesman Hotman Manurung told legislature members that the 1996 rule of the Ministry of Manpower is only relevant to dismissed employees while in the current case thousands of employees lost their jobs because of a government decision.

"We are really confused. We might have to start farming to support our families," Dana Barus, an employee said.

In Jakarta bank employees have also demanded severance pay several times the amount justified in the 1996 rule which they say is too low.

Legislature members Azis Angkat and Zaki Abdullah said they agreed, but urged bank employees to continue to serve customers. Many employees have refused to work until the severance pay and compensation issue is settled. (21)