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.