Thousands of workers laid off

Thousands of workers laid off

BOGOR (JP): PT Indomulti Inti Sukses Industri, a Bogor-based
shoe manufacturer, has laid off about 5,000 of its workers due to
sharply falling orders for its export-oriented products.

Bustom Tambunan, a security officer at the firm, said
yesterday that the workers were laid off Monday.

The firm's management said that the decision to lay off the
workers was taken in line with the firm's intention to
temporarily halt its activities, Antara reported.

Their decision to lay off the workers was reportedly conveyed
to them through the company's branch of the Federation of All
Indonesian Workers Union.

It was strongly opposed by the union representatives, who
urged the firm to launch efficiency programs, such as cutting
overtime, before laying off workers. (hhr)