Workers continue rally, demanding decree revocation

JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of workers staged a rally for the third consecutive day here on Thursday, demanding the revocation of a ministerial decree that they consider benefits employers more than workers.

The workers, grouped in the Indonesian National Front for the Workers' Struggle (FNPBI), staged their protest at the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration on Jl. Gatot Subroto, South Jakarta.

The coordinator of the protest, Arman, demanded that Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Al Hilal Hamdi fulfill his earlier promise to review ministerial decree No. 78 of 2001 on severance pay by Wednesday.

"After 14 days of delay, today is the last day for Minister Al Hilal Hamdi to decide whether or not he will revoke his decree," asserted Arman.

It is not clear, however, if the minister met with the protesters later on Wednesday.

The workers are demanding the revocation of the decree, contending that the minister has buckled under pressure from foreign investors and local big business when issuing the decree.

The new decree on severance pay amended ministerial decree No. 150 of 2000 which entitles employees to a substantial payout regardless of whether they resign or are dismissed.

Workers have vowed to go on strike to force the government to revoke the decree. They have been staging rallies at the ministry since Monday, when thousands of workers grouped in the Federation of All Indonesian Labor Unions practically occupied every open space in the ministry's grounds.

On Tuesday, hundreds of workers from the Textile, Sandal and Leatherworkers Labor Union (FSPPTSK) also staged a rally at the ministry's offices for the same purpose. (01)