Guards want to join labor union

JAKARTA: The Federation of Independent Workers Union (FSPM) protested on Friday a police circular which prohibits a security guard to join the workers union for fears of a conflict of interest.

The circular, which was issued last month, rules that any violation carries sanctions, including removal and dismissal.

Odie Hudiyanto, secretary of the federation who is a former security guard at Shangri-La Hotel, said about 20 percent of FSPM members or around 1,600 personnel, are security guards. Some of them are already in the workers union.

FSPM has 8,000 members who work in hotels, restaurants, apartments and tourism agencies in Jakarta, Bali, Yogyakarta, and Bandung.

All security guards should have certificates issued by the police.

"We feel sad and disappointed, as police as law enforcers, have ignored the Constitution which gives freedom to all citizens to join organizations or unions," said Odie. --JP