Workers warned on third parties

Workers warned on third parties

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie
Sjamsoeddin called on workers yesterday not to be influenced by
others who encourage them to join strikes or demonstrations.

Sjafrie said certain people or groups have exploited several
shortcomings in development programs -- including the gap between
the rich and poor -- to discredit the government.

"These people or groups have tried to influence workers on
welfare issues by using a very attractive language," he said at
a meeting of hundreds of workers from at least 152 companies in
Bekasi.

"The ultimate aim behind this, however, is to further their
own interests, namely to get support from workers to disturb the
country's stability and security," he said, without naming names.

Yesterday's meeting was held at PT Coca Cola Amatil
Indonesia's plant in Cibitung, Bekasi, with the aim of ensuring
mutual cooperation between military personnel, employers and
workers.

It was hoped that the meeting would prevent future threats,
disturbances and challenges which could damage stability and
security, he said.

In many cases, Sjafrie said strikes, demonstrations and other
mass action were usually manipulated by certain groups whose
political views were antigovernment.

"We have seen that the number of worker strikes and
demonstrations tend to increase in both quality and quantity," he
said. "We have to be alert to this matter."

A dispute between workers and employers about many issues --
including wages, meal allowances, workers insurance --
constituted an ordinary part of the company's management process,
he admitted.

But if the dispute could be discussed and settled in an
amicable way, then strikes and demonstrations, which caused both
parties hardship, were not needed, he said.

"The most important thing is that employers have to take care
of their workers who, in return, are expected to help protect
their employers."

Sjafrie acknowledged that people were facing difficult times
due to the monetary crisis which had pushed up the prices of
everyday needs.

"We should not deal with the problem emotionally because all
of us are affected," he said. "The country, companies and workers
are all suffering because of it.

"So, it is unwise to demand individual rights from companies
without thinking about the problem. On the other hand, it's not
wise to reduce workers' welfare rights either."

Sjafrie said the monetary issue coupled with others, including
a rumor about an increase in fuel prices, could also be used by
these groups to support their position.

He said the military command, through its military districts
and military subdistricts, will conduct early detection and
preventive action if it sees a problem becoming destructive.

"We will take stern action against the groups who try to
disturb stability and security," he said.

When asked whether he will apply the "shot-on-sight" policy to
deal with people involved in demonstrations ahead of next year's
General Assembly of the People's Consultative Assembly, Sjafrie
said: "That's the last resort.

"But I will do my best to safeguard that important event
without the shoot-on-sight policy." (jun)