Employees protest job downgrades

Employees protest job downgrades

SURABAYA: Some 173 suspended supervisors of cigarette maker PT
H.M. Sampoerna staged a protest on Monday in front of the
Surabaya provincial council, demanding the council settle a
dispute between them and the company.

It was the second such protest after they staged a rally in
October.

During Monday's protest, the workers complained that their
positions had been downgraded without prior notice.

Previously, they had supervised the cigarette rollers, but,
several months ago, they had been downgraded to work as cigarette
rollers, although they still received the same salary.

The supervisors apparently felt humiliated by the decision.

In October, after stiff resistance to the downgrades, the
company had suspended the workers.

The protesters also demanded that the company revoke their
suspensions.

But, Yudi Rizard, the company's spokesman said the employees
demands could not be met.

Both parties agreed to negotiate on Dec. 12 at the Surabaya
Manpower Office. -- JP