Textile workers demand higher pay

BANDUNG: Some 400 workers of textile factory PT Yutica Loka Kencana marched to the local legislative council building on Tuesday demanding that management pay the new wage of Rp 286,000 per month made effective April 1 as stipulated by a Ministry of Manpower decree.

The workers said they receive Rp 260,000 and the management had yet to grant menstrual leave for woman workers. "This is our right," Reni, who has worked for the company for seven years, said.

Reni said many fellow workers had to go to work despite menstruation pain.

"They come to work for awhile and then leave because they feel ill. Unfortunately, the management does not allow us to do that. They even cut our wages," Reni said. (25/sur)