Minister asks PTFI, workers to avoid deadlock, take win-win solution

By Bambang Atmaja

Manpower and Transmigration Minister Muhaimin Iskandar suggested the management of PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) and its worker union avoid deadlock on pay hike talks and seek a win-win solution.

The statement was made following complaints from the union over the pay rise offered by the management which was far less than their expectation and may turn the talks to a deadlock.

Such deadlock had triggered massive protests in the past that halted production.

?I hope there is no a deadlock on the talks. Please take a decision which is categorized as win-win solution,? he told Petromindo.com as saying at the State Palace on Friday.

Muhaimin said that the firm should make its experience in the past years as a lesson.

?Freeport has many times faced such a quite difficult situation. Let?s make it as a lesson. It is useless to spend much time and energy on it,? said Muhaimin.

Editing by Johannes Simbolon