KPC food provider sticks to decision to fire workers
Community leader calls for peace
Monday, May 15 2006 - 04:27 AM WIB
?We are still of the opinion that the 57 workers have resigned,? Prasmanindo project manager Budi Darmawan said.
Tens of workers of the firm have been on strike since April 29 to press their demand for better welfare. They demanded among others overtime payment and housing loans.
Budi said Prasmanindo had decided to fire 57 workers rather than all the striking workers because the 57 people were considered as the masterminds of the strike. The firm insists that the strike is illegal.
Last week, KPC security guards along with the police forced the workers to get out Wima Rayah where they stayed throughout the strike. They then moved to the gate of the camp, causing traffic to slow down around the area.
East Kalimantan labor office had issued a letter calling for peace between the workers and the firm and suggesting the firm not to fire the striking workers. However, the firm ignored the suggestion
?The suggestion can be accepted and rejected. It does not have a binding legal power,? Budi said.
Meanwhile, HM Pital B, Kutai tribal leader in Sangatta, where the coal mining firm is based, called on the firm and workers to find a peaceful solution to their dispute in order to maintain stability in the area.
?We, the Kutai Tribal Council, call on parties to pursue on their demand the legal, orderly and peaceful way and not to carry out anarchy and illegal actions. We call on parties to maintain stability and conducive conditions in the company?s complex and East Kutai regency,? he said in a press statement, as quoted by Tribun Kaltim.
He said the tribal council acknowledged that the workers had the right to strike, but he said the strike should be conducted the legal, orderly and peaceful way.
Unfortunately, he said, the striking workers, in some of their actions, harassed those who were working and wanted to work at KPC?s workers camp. (*)