Workers strike enters third day

BOGOR (JP): Some 5,000 factory workers from three different companies in Cileungsi here continued on Friday with wage-related strikes and protests for the third consecutive day.

The protesting workers are from PT Aspex Paper, PT Roda Vivatex and PT Daria Varia Laboratory.

According to the 1,500 workers from the first company, their firm had done significant business in the past few months and therefore they had good reason to ask for a pay improvement, although their wages already met the minimum as set by the government.

The 3,000 employees at Roda Vivatex demanded a Rp 500 hike in overtime for nightshirt workers.

Some 500 workers from Daria Varia Laboratory aired a similar demand to those at Aspex Paper.

According to them, the minimum wage set by the government was no longer enough when the skyrocketing price of goods and services at present was considered.

"Our wage is obviously not enough to fulfill our current needs," employee Dadang said.

None of the companies' executives and related government officials could be reached for comment. (21/bsr)