No layoffs in North Sulawesi

MANADO, North Sulawesi: The local branch of the Federation of All Indonesia Workers Union claimed yesterday no workers had been laid off since the start of the country's economic crisis.

Branch chairman Nip Walintukan said Tuesday that the encouraging news was because industries developed by the province were mostly agro-based, such as canned fish and oil.

"I also have checked on several companies regarding this issue, such as instant noodle companies and found out they have had no problems so far," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

Companies here, he said, have been taking efficiency measures rather than laying off their workers.

He said out of 20,000 workers working in 1,400 companies in the province, only seven had been fired, all due to poor work performance.

Walintukan conceded that the country's economic woes had begun to take a toll on local daily life.

"We are expecting the government to also organize several labor-intensive projects to help people get employment," he said.

The government has begun a Rp 33 billion (US$3.3 million) labor-intensive public works program in 30 regencies in Java. (aan)