Drivers, conductors demand fair salaries

MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: As the Idul Fitri holidays draw near, dozens drivers and conductors at two fuel distribution companies in Mataram staged a protest on Thursday, demanding their employers raise their salaries to the provincial minimum wage.

Standing in front of the West Nusa Tenggara provincial council, the demonstrators said they were paid only Rp 300,000 a month (US$31.9), far below Rp 412,500 provincial minimum wage set by the government.

They also called on the companies to provide them with an Idul Fitri or Christmas allowance, as required by law.

The drivers said they had earlier lodged their complaints with the local manpower agency but their demands had fallen on deaf ears. -- JP