Workers protest manpower minister

Workers protest manpower minister

PEKANBARU, Riau: Dozens of workers from PT Riau Andalan Pulp
and Paper who are members of the Indonesia Prosperous Labor Union
(SBSI) remained in the local council building here on Sunday to
protest the appointment of Bomer Pasaribu as manpower minister.

They demanded that Bomer, who is an executive of the All-
Indonesia Workers Union (SPSI), resign from his new post.

The protesters' spokesman, Kaster, said Bomer did nothing to
improve workers' rights and welfare during his term as a union
official.

He claimed Bomer continuously sided with management and major
firms against the rights of workers.

"During his term at SPSI, Bomer Pasaribu never fought for the
rights of workers and in our assessment he does not have the
credentials to become minister," Kaster said as quoted by Antara.

"We ask President Abdurrahman Wahid to dismiss him."

SPSI was the only recognized labor union during the 32-year
rule of president Soeharto.

The government clamped down on the activities of SBSI and its
leader, Muchtar Pakpahan, who was jailed.