Sutiyoso accused of siding with management

JAKARTA (JP): Members of the Shangri-La Hotel labor union came to the City Hall on Wednesday to question Governor Sutiyoso's alleged siding with the hotel management in its protracted labor dispute with employees.

Carrying posters, at least 50 employees of the hotel staged a rally in front of the City Hall, while around 10 members held talks with city officials and a representative of Jakarta's Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration office.

"We want to meet with the governor face-to-face to hear from him the results of his meeting with the hotel's management," said the union's chairman, Halilintar Nurdin.

The protest was sparked by reports that Sutiyoso promised visiting hotel management on Monday to provide them with public order officers when the hotel resumes operation. The workers said the pledge indicated the governor's preference of support in the dispute.

Some 420 employees of the hotel have staged a series of rallies since Dec. 22 last year to demand better working conditions. The hotel has stopped operation since then after striking workers occupied the five-star hotel.

"The governor should protect workers instead of hotel investors and management. At least, he should show some goodwill by inviting both workers and management to settle the dispute," said Halilintar.

However, head of the City Tourism Agency Parlindungan Hutabarat denied reports of the governor's promise of security protection during the Monday meeting.

"I was in the meeting and the governor didn't make such a statement. You can take my word for it," said Parlindungan.

He said the city administration couldn't tolerate a prolonged labor dispute involving a hotel because it would worsen the city's tourist image.

"So, I call on both parties to settle this matter through legal measures as soon as possible."

During Wednesday's rally, the workers also urged the governor to reprimand their employer for hiring hoodlums to intimidate them. One of the workers, Zulrahman, was badly wounded after being beaten by hoodlums on Monday, they said. (07)