Sutiyoso accused of siding with management
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)