Manpower matter poses serious threat in future
Manpower matter poses serious threat in future
JAKARTA (JP): Deputy governor of administration affairs Idroes
warned yesterday that strikes, demonstrations and protests linked
to labor conditions in the city will grow if labor problems are
not properly addressed.
"Manpower problems will grow uncontrollably if policies or
other anticipative steps are not taken soon," Idroes said while
opening a training course on labor.
The two-day course has 120 participants, including businessmen
and the top executives from several organizations.
Idroes said labor problems will be worsened by the trend
toward democratization and the issue of human rights. Workers'
aspirations and demands, as well as economic liberalization and
market globalization, will also lead to more labor stoppages.
He said the city administration is committed to improving
labor conditions in the second long-term development program
through more coordinated and well-planned policies and steps.
Problems
He asked businesspeople and executives of organizations to
settle problems.
He said that in the period between 1988 and August this year,
1,214 labor strikes and demonstrations were recorded nationwide.
Of this number, 277 cases, involving 91,854 workers, were
recorded in the city between 1990 and 1994, he said. By
comparison, the 27,961 companies operating in the city employ
over 1.43 million people.
Idroes said workers usually strike for better wages, but also
want holiday bonuses and improved working conditions.
He further said that increase in labor strikes is mainly
caused by an improvement in the workers' education, the influence
of both printed and electronic media, and non-governmental
organizations. International pressures, weak law enforcement,
interference by irresponsible persons for their own purposes, and
the growing social and political consciousness among the workers
are other contributing factors.
Idroes reiterated that a failure to properly address the
problems may cause unrest in various parts of the country,
particularly the capital. Strikes also cause economic losses.
Owners and laborers working together to create good working
conditions and improve social welfare will overcome the problem,
he added. (32)