SPSI opens its arms

SEMARANG: The Central Java chapter of the Association of All Indonesian Workers (SPSI) has said it would be happy to welcome the rebel Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union (SBSI) into its happy family.

"I would fully welcome the SBSI if they want to join forces with SPSI, provided that they respect our basic rules," chapter chairman Tambah Sudjio told The Jakarta Post..

Tambah was commenting on a proposal from the National Commission on Human Rights that the two unions merge into one organization so that they can fight for the interest of workers more effectively.

Tambah admitted he sees no indication that SBSI wants to fuse with SPSI. "However, the proposal by the commission deserves our support because the merger will bring new nuances for workers." (wah/11)