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)