Medan workers protest

Medan workers protest

MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Hundreds of workers at a thong
factory stepped up their protest over the dismissal of two of
their colleagues by storming the residence of the company
director on Friday.

The workers of PT Garuda Mas Perkasa, producer of Swallow
rubber sandals, armed with posters denouncing management policy,
demanded that their employer reinstate Budi Santoso and M. Nur,
chairman and member of the Prosperity Trade Union (SBSI) at the
factory.

The two were fired for unclear reasons.

Some protesters were eventually allowed to talk with company
director Alexander Effendy, who they were initially told was out
of town. However, Alexander rejected the workers' demand, and
said the only labor union the company acknowledged was the
government-sponsored All-Indonesia Workers Union Federation
(FSPSI).

Friday's action was a follow up of previous demonstrations on
June 5 and June 8.

On June 15, the workers marched to the North Sumatra
provincial legislative council to request councilors help them by
instructing the company to reinstate their fired friends. The
effort proved fruitless.

The workers first staged a strike over a month ago.
(39/sur)