Banten workers demand more money

Banten workers demand more money

TANGERANG: Thousands of workers held a rally at the Banten
gubernatorial office in Serang on Friday, arguing that the Rp
693,500 (about US$77) monthly minimum wage set for 2005 was below
the minimum cost of living.

"We demand that the governor put the minimum wage up to Rp
777,500 for workers in Cilegon, Rp 735,873 for Tangerang and Rp
722,200 for Serang regency," said Andi Romly of the Federation of
Indonesian Metal Workers Associations (FSPMI).

Another worker, Sugiri, said if the companies paid the workers
better, they would develop robustly, but the reverse would be
true if they workers were not paid enough.

"We will return for a demonstration with more workers if the
Governor approves the lower wage for 2005 as proposed by mayors
and regents," Sugiri added. -- JP