KORPPRA, SPSI follow SBSI's move against KPC

Coal miner PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) is likely facing a serious problems. After trying to settle a dispute with the Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union (SBSI), KPC is now facing similar labor disputes with two other labor unions, the All Indonesian Labor Unions (SPSI) and the Coal Mining Companies Employees Corps (KORPPRA).

KPC is currently undergoing a tri-party negotiation involving SPSI and KORPPRA, the company and the government.

An official at the directorate of Coal at the Ministry Mines and Energy, Bangun Usman Harahap, said the demands from SPSI and KORPPRA were very similar with those of SBSI's that was to fight for the improvement of the employees' welfare, but their demands were more specific and details.

And most importantly, the two labor unions pursued their goals in accordance with the prevailing laws and regulations, and did not follow the ways taken by SBSI that was using strike and blockade to pressurize KPC.

"They did not go on strike and occupy a number of vital equipment that could force the company's operation to stop," Bangun said.

SPSI and KORPPRA conducted the negotiations with KPC and the government on Monday and would resume their negotiations on Thursday.

Meanwhile, an informed source said that KPC's coal stock stood at 98,000 tons, enough for one-day shipment. Therefore, the source said, the company would likely again declare a force majeure situation for its customers. (*)