Glass factory workers protest

TANGERANG (JP): About 170 employees of glass manufacturing company PT Alamkaca Prabawa Indonesia in Tangerang stopped work yesterday in solidarity for two of their friends who were severely injured in a work accident.

Sukerman, 34, suffered a broken back and smashed teeth, and Mulyono, 30, damaged his hand Tuesday night when they were hit by a one-ton box of glass products which fell before it was put into a container.

The work stoppage was intended mainly to force the company's management to pay for the victims' medical treatment, one of the workers, who asked for anonymity, said.

"We urge the management to give a financial guarantee regarding Sukerman's operation," he said.

Doctors at Usada Insani hospital, where Sukerman is being treated, have declined to operate on the victim due to the absence of a guarantee from the company.

Mulyono is recovering at his house in Sepatan, Tangerang.

The management invited 20 representatives of the workers to discuss the case yesterday.

"The management won't give any statement at the moment," Darya, another worker, said after the meeting. (41/hhr)