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