Politicized strikes on the increase

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)