Drivers strike in Bogor

Drivers strike in Bogor

BOGOR (JP): Minibus drivers on the Pasar Anyar-Citeureup route
in Bogor joined a strike Saturday demanding the authorities stop
their organization collecting a daily levy of Rp 500 (US 18
cents) per driver.

Drivers have refused to pay the levy because of the alleged
misuse of the money by executives of the Bogor city minibus
drivers organization.

One of the drivers, Isak, told The Jakarta Post that the money
was originally intended to help financially burdened drivers,
such as those involved in accidents or who became ill.

"But the organization never helped any of us who were in
trouble. Where did our money go?" Isak asked.

The drivers started the strike at around 10 a.m., making it
difficult for hundreds of passengers to find alternative
transportation.

Drivers took their protest to Bogor's Land Transportation
Control Agency and demanded a meeting with the organization's
executives.

Some protesters forced fellow drivers to join the strike by
stopping their vehicles or threatening to break the windows if
the drivers insisted on working.

The drivers ended the strike and returned to work at 11:15
a.m. after head of the drivers' organization, Irwan, explained
how the money was managed.

Irwan said Rp 300 of the levy was used to cover the
organization's operational costs and Rp 200 would be used to form
part of the drivers' Idul Fitri bonus. (24/cst)