Garment workers strike in Medan

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Around 3,000 employees of the garment manufacturer PT RM went on strike on Wednesday and staged a demonstration outside the Governor's office to draw attention to their struggle.

The workers, many of whom were women, notified police of their plans early in the morning and gained permission to enter the grounds of the governor's office at noon.

They called for a 39 percent increase in the regional minimum wage and a daily food allowance of Rp 5,000. The minimum monthly wage in Medan is currently Rp 210,000.

They also demanded an end to intimidation by staff and an end to intervention in labor disputes by outside organizations, including the military. The PT RM management was not available for comment.

On Tuesday, the workers joined other disgruntled employees in a demonstration outside the local legislature and declared the establishment of the North Sumatra Labor Council. A spokesman for the council, Ima Suhana, called for an end to violence and terror and for "a fare share of profit" to be given to workers. (21)