Pertamina employees face dismissal

JAKARTA: The labor union of state oil company Pertamina has written to President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, asking him to revoke a decree that will lead to dismissal of 4,015 contract employees.

Chairman of the labor union Ugan Gandar said on Monday that company president director Widya Purnama had violated Labor Law No. 13/2003, which does not allow unilateral mass dismissal, when he issued an decision on Aug. 1 to lay off the contract workers.

The labor union and company management had earlier agreed to evaluate performance and qualifications of the contract workers, according to Ugan.

"It's surprising that the dismissal takes place when we are working hard to maintain national fuel supply," Ugan said. -- Antara