Governor to be reported to ILO

SEMARANG: The All-Central Java association of textile, garment and leather trade unions is planning to file a complaint against Governor Mardiyanto with the International Labor Organization (ILO) for approving a low minimum regional salary.

In a statement released on Friday, the association accused the governor of insulting workers in the province by announcing a 2001 minimum wage of Rp 234,000 (US$24.60) a month, instead of the Rp 337,000 demanded by the association.

The association threatened to mobilize workers if the governor failed to respond to its demand within two weeks.

"If the governor fails to meet the deadline, some 3,000 workers will go on strike. And if he does not change his decree on the minimum salary, 250,000 workers will rally at his office," the statement said.

The association also plans to file a lawsuit against the governor for "human rights violations". (har)