Fired journalists not to file lawsuit

JAKARTA: The deputy chairman of Republika daily's union, Mahladi, said on Friday 15 recently fired journalists would not file a lawsuit against the management over their dismissal.

The decision was taken after the 15 journalists -- 13 of whom were members of the union -- negotiated compensation packages with the management.

The Ministry of Manpower recently issued a decree entitling laid off journalists to compensation equaling five times their monthly salary.

Mahladi said the dismissals followed a dispute between the union and the management which centered on the ministerial decree on compensation.

He said the management had planned to reduce the compensation for fired employees, instead increasing the pension for retired employees.

The union opposed the plan, leading to the dismissals, he said. -- Antara