Ex-IPTN worker reemployed

BANDUNG, West Java: Asep Rukmana, a former employee of state- owned Nusantara Aircraft Manufacturing Industry (IPTN) here, regained his job over the weekend, more than two years after his much-publicized dismissal.

Asep's lawsuit against the aircraft manufacturer's unilateral dismissal was won in the Bandung State Administrative Court and the Bandung State Administrative High Court.

He held a thanksgiving gathering at his home Saturday and told reporters he was happy because he now could earn a decent livelihood for his family.

The company reemployed him after he won the lawsuit.

Asep, 40, who has worked in the company for 16 years, was dismissed in April 1996 for revealing malfeasance in the company.

"Since the unfair dismissal, I have been unemployed," he said.

Accompanied by lawyers from the Bandung Legal Aid Institute, he sued IPTN over the dismissal and won the case in April 1997.

He said that he also won the case in January 1998, after IPTN appealed to the high court. (43/rms)