Factory workers run amok

Factory workers run amok

PURWAKARTA, West Java: A protest by 8,000 factory workers in
the Jatiluhur area on Friday turned violent and led to the
burning of 36 company cars and the stoning of buildings, Antara
reported.

The news agency said the employees of textile company PT
Indorama became aggressive after the management refused to meet
in full their demand for a pay rise after a day-long protest.

The workers from the textile company asked for a Rp 150,000
raise in their monthly salary, while the management only agreed
to a Rp 25,000 raise.

"Indorama is a big company, but our salary is only Rp 5,500
per day, which can only buy us one and a half liters of rice,"
one demonstrator was quoted by the news agency as saying.

Dozens of security forces present both outside and inside the
factory compound were unable to contain the crowd which also
damaged the managers' offices and accommodation.

No arrests were reported.

The news agency reported that thousands of factory workers
were still gathering and shouting for the pay rise late into the
evening. (byg)