Workers complain of dismissal

Around 150 workers of PT Duta Busana Danastri, a garment company, marched to the headquarters of the National Commission on Human Rights yesterday to complain of the dismissal of a co- worker.

The workers also demanded that the company form a bipartite body to bridge any differences between them.

Siti Nurofikoh, 21, who worked in the sewing section, was dismissed for being absent for eight days without permission.

According to Siti, she was given a four-day leave which was extendible by another two days to attend her sister's wedding at Brodan village, Magelang regency, Central Java.

She said that her late return to work was due to her failing health which forced her to take two more days to rest. She said she had sent the company a letter to inform it of her condition.

When she arrived here, the management refused to allow her to work. The company's decision led to a strike since June 15. The protesters said they would continue the strike until their demands were fulfilled.

The laborers were received by Marzuki Darusman, a prominent figure within the Commission.(03)