PT CRC workers stage protest

PT CRC workers stage protest

TANGERANG (JP): About 800 workers of pharmaceutical
manufacturer PT Cisadane Raya Chemical (CRC) staged a protest at
the firm's plant in Karawaci here Tuesday, demanding their
employers recognize their newly founded union.

The protesters, who gathered at the plant on Jl. Imam Bonjol
from 8 a.m., also wanted the company's management to revoke its
decision to suspend the union's chairman, Budi Purwanto.

According to the workers, Budi was suspended from his job at
the export-oriented firm for one month on July 14.

"He was accused by the company of having intimidated one of
his colleagues," said one of the workers, asking for anonymity.

The union was set up by the plant employees on June 19 on the
grounds that hitherto there had been no labor organization at the
factory.

The workers' initiative to establish the union was rejected by
the management.

"The company apparently would like to set up a worker's union
on their own," said the worker.

After a meeting with the workers' representatives and local
police officers, CRC president Mohammad Taha said the company had
not been informed by the workers about the establishment of their
union.

"I don't care if the workers intend to form a union here as
long as the establishment is done under a both-sides agreements,"
Taha said.

Before setting up the union, he said, the workers should have
undertaken a five-day special course beginning next Monday.

"It's designed to prevent disputes (among the union's
members). From the course, it's believed the workers would be
able to elect their union chairman based on their own wishes,"
said Taha.

Talking about Budi's suspension, Taha said that his case was
being studied by staff at the Ministry of Manpower.

"His suspension has nothing to do with the union," Taha said.

The protesters dispersed peacefully at midday after the
company promised to study their demands further. (41/ivy)