Shoe firm workers strike in protest at intimidation

JAKARTA (JP): A South Korean shoe firm ground to an abrupt standstill yesterday when all 2,500 workers went on strike to protest alleged intimidation by two police officers hired by the company as executives.

About 100 of their colleagues lodged their grievance with the National Commission on Human Rights, demanding the body insist PT Bosaeng Jaya immediately fire the two officers.

"We cannot work in comfort and always feel afraid since the two wear their police uniforms in the factory all the time and never want to listen to our complaints," said workers' spokesman Pratigto.

He claimed that the two, whom he identified as Maj. Gatot Budisutopo and Maj. Budyono from the National Police headquarters, often forced employees to resign without receiving proper compensation.

According to Pratigto, the officers -- employed at the firm for seven years as factory manager and personnel manager respectively -- were used by the South Korean owners as the "shield" in their interactions with local employees.

None of the Korean executives showed up to discuss the problem with workers yesterday, he said.

"We'll continue to strike until the two police officers are dismissed from our company," Pratigto said. Workers are also seeking annual bonuses and proper work-safety equipment.

The executives were unavailable for comment.

In May, several representatives of the workers lodged a similar complaint with the commission.

According to commission member B.N. Marbun, who received the protesters yesterday, his institution had sent letters for confirmation to the National Police and City Police but had not received a reply.

Marbun promised to send another letter to the National Police Headquarters soon to ask for help to clarify the matter and the status of the officers.

When asked to comment, National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Da'i Bachtiar said: "We'll double check on the case soon and trace the names of the two officers before we come out with our final judgment.

"The two might have picked up the police uniforms off the street."

After visiting the commission, the employees headed to the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute to seek legal advice. (edt/jun)