Troops fire as workers protest

Troops fire as workers protest

SURABAYA: Troops fired warning shots and teargas on Tuesday to disperse stone-throwing workers protesting over pay and conditions, witnesses said.

Reuters quoted them saying that more than 4,000 employees of household goods maker PT Maspion gathered at their factory to march to the provincial governor's office.

Some of the workers threw stones at security forces blocking their way out of the factory grounds.

Security forces fired warning shots and arrested some of the stone-throwing workers, infuriating others.

Witnesses also said security forces began throwing stones back at the workers before firing teargas.

There were no immediate word on how many people were hurt.

Surabaya has been hit by waves of protests as workers rally demanding more money and better conditions to help them weather the economic meltdown.