Union executives testified

Union executives testified

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Two local executives of the SBSI rebel
union testified against their chairman Muchtar Pakpahan, saying
that he sent circulars from Jakarta calling for a general strike.

Hayati, treasurer of SBSI Medan, said in the trial against
Muchtar that the circular was sent by registered mail and then
the local SBSI office made copies of it for distribution to
workers in Medan, the Antara news agency reported.

Fatiwanolo Zega, vice secretary of Medan SBSI, in a separate
testimony also said that Muchtar had once urged for a general
strike but pointed out that it was within their rights and the
best way for workers to express their demands.

Muchtar is being tried in connection with the workers' April
riot which left one businessman dead and dozens of factories
damaged. The government prosecutors have charged Muchtar with
inciting workers to commit violence. (emb)