Unfair treatment

Unfair treatment

It is expected that all people who work in a foreign country
abide by the employment laws of that country, whatever their
nationality. Therefore when something goes wrong between employer
and employee, the problem is viewed through the host country's
rules and regulations.

On April 10, 1997 the Ministry of Manpower in Jakarta
established that in January 1995, I was illegally terminated by
the Headmaster of The British International School. Both parties
were instructed to negotiate a settlement within fourteen days.

These negotiations have not taken place despite my lawyer's
efforts to comply with the court's recommendation. How can
negotiations take place if The British International School
chooses to ignore our letters as if they do not exist? I do not
think they would dare attempt the same actions in our own
country.

The Jakarta Post, May 13 quoted the new British Foreign
Secretary Robin Cook in an article Human rights set to be at core
of UK Foreign Policy ... "There are some flagrant human rights
abuse that must be tackled. We are quite clearly establishing the
principle that if we demand for Britain human rights and
democratic principles and government, then we must support those
in other countries who are also doing the same."

I hope that the management of The British International School
take heed of this statement as I am saddened and disappointed
that my own countrymen, who are obviously aware of the labor laws
here and in the UK, blatantly ignore the legislation of both
countries. I only ask to be treated fairly and be allowed to
recover from the worst experience of my life.

LORNA LEARNEY

Jakarta