Shangri-La to get security officers

Shangri-La to get security officers

JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has promised to provide
the management of Shangri-La Hotel with security officers when
the hotel resumes operation.

Governor Sutiyoso told members of the hotel's management team
at City Hall on Monday the city authorities did not expect any
prolonged labor disputes to take place in the future.

"We cannot tolerate such cases going on and on, because it
will affect the capital's economy," Sutiyoso said.

He suggested that any conflicts between management and workers
be settled through legal measures.

According to him, many foreigners have canceled trips to
Jakarta as a result of the numerous demonstrations in the
capital. Employees of Shangri-La have staged a series of rallies
to protest the management's policies.

The labor dispute began when some 420 hotel employees
affiliated with the Shangri-La Hotel Independent Workers Union
went on strike from Dec. 22 to Dec. 26 last year to demand better
working conditions. The striking workers occupied the hotel,
causing it to shut its doors.

The management of the hotel says it has lost Rp 18 billion
since it halted operations on Dec. 22. (04)