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