Workers to go on striking

Workers to go on striking

JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of workers in a garment factory in the western suburb of Cengkareng have pledged to continue their strike if their demands are not met.

"If we don't receive any response from the company by Friday, we are going to take our grievances to the city council," a worker told reporters yesterday.

About 300 workers of PT Garmenindo Industry in Tegal Alur village have been on strike for two days.

The workers are demanding wage increases, Idul Fitri allowances, menstruation leave for women and social security for workers.

No one was available for comment at the factory when reporters came to call.

Manpower Minister Abdul Latief has instructed companies to pay Idul Fitri allowances by Feb. 6 at the latest.

The workers who tried to meet the factory production manager, Acong, were told by the factory security guards that the manager was in a meeting.

They also said that they have often been treated badly by the management.

"We don't only have to put up being insulted all the time, we are also often accused of stealing goods," a worker said.

One employee estimated that the strike has caused a loss of tens of millions to the factory so far. (14)