Worker strikes rock East Java

JAKARTA (JP): East Java has been rocked by a series of strikes in the past three days involving thousands of workers from three major companies; kretek cigarette-maker PT. Gudang Garam, bicycle maker PT WIM Cycle and processed food manufacturer PT Sekar Laut.

The strikes were held separately in the three different cities where the factories are located.

Workers at Gudang Garam's Kediri factory demanded, among other things, a 50 percent increase in their salaries.

Antara reported yesterday that the three-day strike which began Monday reached its peak Tuesday when 40,000 employees stayed away from work.

Gudang Garam's production director, Sumarto Wonowidjojo, promised the workers yesterday that his brother, Rachman Halim, the president of the company, would meet with them as soon as he returned from Jakarta.

The strike has paralyzed the company's production in its main factory.

In Sidoardjo, 1,500 Sekar Laut employees also left their assembly line Tuesday over concerns about job security. They believe bosses are gradually axing jobs.

"In the last two weeks 100 employees have been dismissed without any clear reason and slowly but surely the number of workers is continuously being reduced,"Antara quoted an employee as saying.

Sekar Laut produces fried crackers and frozen shrimps.

A similar sentiment of discontent was also displayed Tuesday by 500 workers of bicycle company WIM Cycle at the company's Gresik plant. Their demands included improved job security, social insurance and menstrual leave.

A Ministry of Labor regulation states that women are allowed two days menstrual leave each month. (09)