Workers hold staff hostage

SERANG, West Java: At least 160 workers of PT Univenus held two members of staff hostage as they rallied to demand for wages here Tuesday.

The workers, who were serving temporary layoffs, urged the company management to pay half of their wages as stipulated by a 1996 decree issued by the Minister of Manpower.

They released the hostages after legislative councilors of the regency stepped in, Antara reported. The councilors promised to help the workers obtain their demand.

Management of the company, a subsidiary of Sinar Mas Group, had punished the workers, most of whom had been employed for eight years, for being absent for six days without an explanation. (amd)