Workers strike over Idul Fitri pay

BOGOR, West Java (JP): Hundreds of workers of garment factory PT Karawang Utama went on strike Friday, demanding full payment of their Idul Fitri allowances, Antara reported.

The management had earlier said it would paying the allowances in three installments: the first at the end of this month, the second in May, and the third in July.

Officials of the Bogor office of the Ministry of Manpower and representatives of the All-Indonesia Workers Union on Friday night were negotiating with management to find a solution.

This is the first strike to hit Bogor over disputes on Idul Fitri allowances. Antara said Karawang Utama did not pay its workers Idul Fitri allowances last year.

Paying the Idul Fitri allowance, previously regarded a bonus, became compulsory under a 1994 decree of the Ministry of Manpower. Companies have to pay similar allowances to Christian, Buddhist and Hindu workers in connection with their respective holy days. Employers who neglect the obligation face a maximum of three months imprisonment or a fine of up to Rp 100,000 (US$43).

The head of the local Ministry of Manpower office, Yoyok Soetoyo, said his office is monitoring the situation in anticipation of disputes over Idul Fitri allowances. (13)