Workers protest over dismissal

Workers protest over dismissal

SEMARANG: Hundreds of workers at a textile company in Ungaran
crowded into buses and other public transportation on Saturday to
make the 20 km trip to Semarang, seeking legal help against their
employer.

Leaving traffic congestion in their wake, the workers told the
Semarang Legal Aid office that some 300 of them had been sacked
at once on Thursday, Antara reported.

The workers told lawyer Tarigan they had been dismissed
because the company has just bought new machinery. The company
manager had also reportedly said that PT Batamtex would now only
employ those who have at least completed senior high school,
speak English, can use computers, and are between 155 - 165 cm in
height.

"They just made up something," the workers said.

Tarigan promised to contact the company and discuss the
workers' protests, and their demands for better compensation.
(swe)