Workers demand full salary

TANGERANG: About 350 workers of PT Argo Pantes, a manufacturer of textile products, staged a protest on Monday at the company's factory on Jl. Thamrin, demanding their salaries, which they have not received in full since November.

One of the protesters, Budi, said while the management had not yet laid off workers, it had ordered them not to work anymore but did not provide any clear reason.

"We usually receive an average of Rp 701,000 (US$82.47) per month, but, since November, we haven't received more than Rp 120,000 per month. This is unfair and violates Law No. 13/2003 on the dismissal of workers," he said.

The law stipulates that workers must still receive their monthly salaries in full until dismissal has been finalized.

Another protestor claimed the management was still recruiting contract workers to replace permanent workers.

The workers held a sit-down protest outside the factory, as they were not allowed in to meet the management. -- JP