Politicized strikes on the increase

SURABAYA (JP): A local unionist predicts an increase in the number of politicized labor strikes next year and says it will be partially due to circumstances heating up close to the general election next May.

Wasis, the chairman of the East Java branch of the Federation of All-Indonesia Workers Union, yesterday said the increase may also be caused by intensifying activities of the network of international labor unions.

Out of the 100 strikes that have occurred this year, 10 showed signs of being politically driven, he told The Jakarta Post.

He pointed to a strike held by some 10,000 workers in Tandes district said to have been masterminded by activists of the Democratic People's Party (PRD) -- a small, allegedly leftist youth organization whose leaders are currently facing subversion charges.

The majority of the strikes were held to demand salary increases and better welfare in general, he said, adding that textile workers held the most strikes, as opposed to those from the tourist sector.

Wasis also pointed out that out of 3,300 companies in Surabaya, only 472 meet the official requirement of establishing units of the Federation of All-Indonesia Workers Union in order to better protect workers.

"This is a very sorry condition, and one which is prone to political manipulation," he said.

Wasis also blamed the poor enforcement of the concept of "Pancasila industrial relations" which stipulates that disputes be settled through discussion among workers, employees and the government.

The concept is failing owing to workers' poor bargaining positions. "Workers are still afraid of losing their jobs, employers still don't care about workers' demands because there are always people needing jobs," he said. "It now really depends on the government to improve the situation.

"Surabaya is an industrial city, it is prone to labor unrest which may erupt due to poor welfare," he warned. (25/swe)