Workers protest over low pay

Workers protest over low pay

BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: Hundreds of workers of PT Sweet Indo
Lampung protested outside the sugar producer's factory complex in
Gedungmeneng, Tulangbawang on Tuesday.

The workers, who arrived in several trucks, were continuing
their sometimes violent protest on Wednesday. Two cars and a
truck were set on fire and several windows were broken inside the
complex. Police on the scene have attempted to maintain peace.

The protesters are upset over low pay. They said the company
paid them Rp 17,500 (US$2) per ton this year, down from Rp 25,000
per ton last year. Workers spend an average of Rp 17,000 on meals
each day.

Heru Sapto, the head of the company's administrative affairs
office, said the protest was the result of a miscommunication.

"The protesters think they are not getting paid (the same as
last year) for cutting the sugar cane, while in fact they are,"
he said. -- JP