MPR reminded to heed workers' aspirations

JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's only sanctioned labor union called on the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) yesterday to draw up State Policy Guidelines which prioritized workers' welfare and the creation of new jobs.

Datuk Bagindo, the chairman of the Federation of All- Indonesian Workers Union, said in a statement that the union was confident the people's representatives in their 11-day convention would heed the aspirations of Indonesian workers and incorporate them into their decisions.

"We also entrust to you the election of the 1998-2003 president and vice president, in accordance with the existing mechanism," Datuk said.

Regarding the next cabinet, the union leader said it should be filled with people with leadership skills and the ability to deal with the economic crisis.

"The cabinet members should be able to abolish the high-cost economy, oligopoly monopolies, and nepotism, in order to improve the welfare of the people, especially workers," Datuk said.

"It is in our interest that modern technology be applied properly so that it does not rob us... of employment," he said.

The chairman instructed members and workers across the country to help preserve unity and maintain order so that the people's representatives could conduct their deliberations successfully.

He also warned workers against rumors that might provoke unrest. "Try to maintain your productivity so that the economic crisis can be turned into the start of the path to a better future," he said. (swe)