Labor strike hits Surabaya

SURABAYA: About 1,800 workers of the PT Surya Kertas paper company in Gresik staged a protest rally at the governor's office Monday over the dismissal of their labor leaders.

They demonstrated their opposition to the dismissal of their unit of the Federation of All-Indonesian Workers Union (FSPSI).

They displayed banners critical of their company management, such as "We are not slaves" and "Give us back our FSPSI leaders". Their delegates were met by the chief of the provincial government's manpower section, Soehartono.

The workers said the labor leaders were sacked on suspicion of embezzling Rp 2.3 million (about US$1,100), Antara reported.

Soehartono told the delegates the government would help solve the dispute. The protesters dispersed without incident. (pan)