Garment workers strike in Medan

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)