Workers protest tardy wages

TANGERANG (JP): About 300 garment workers protested to the regency legislative council Thursday over grievances on salaries and allowances.

The workers, mostly women, claimed PT Anugerah in Pasar Kemis subdistrict always postponed their paydays and had scrapped their transport allowance without reason.

They met with council members Oman Abdurahman, Poerwodarminto and Masyiah. Also in attendance was a representative of the company, Elkanius, and an official of the local manpower ministry office.

The workers told the councilors they each received Rp 5,750 in daily minimum wage, plus a Rp 750 food allowance per day.

"The wages are given twice a month but never on time," a worker said. "The company has also dropped the transport allowance it provided following a Jan. 6 labor protest."

They also alleged they were deprived of their rights to menstrual, maternity and annual leaves.

The councilors questioned why the company failed to send a manager with the authority to make decisions to the meeting. They threatened to refer the problem to the Ministry of Manpower if the firm failed to resolve it soon. (41)