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)