Workers continue Medan strike

MEDAN, North Sumatra: About 1,000 workers from PT Gunung Gahapi Sakti continued their 17-day strike on Monday in a bid for better welfare compensation and the reinstatement of one of their colleagues.

"We will continue the strike until Thursday, or the 21st day of the protest," said strike coordinator Alfian Panjaitan.

The specific details of the workers' demands were not available to the press.

The rehiring of dismissed employee Saharuddin Gulo, however, is one of their central demands.

During their strike, the workers have also met with local labor authorities and legislators.

Hotman Parulian Girsang of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) said during one meeting that the company would not review its decision on Saharuddin.

"However they are willing to negotiate on the workers allowance and insurance," he said. (39/edt)