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.