PLN West Java lays off 2,000 employees
Thursday, November 9 2000 - 03:00 AM WIB
The economic crisis has forced state electricity company PT PLN's West Java branch to lay off a total of 2,000 of its 15,000 employees this year alone, according to PLN Labor Union chairman Purnomo Willy.
"Who says there are no layoffs in PLN. In West Java lone, it is projected that around 1,000 to 2,000 of the 15,000 employees will be laid off this year," Purnomo said in a dialogue with trade unions from various industries in Bandung, West Java.
Purnomo responded to demands of trade unions from various industries for PLN to cancel the implementation of the tariff increase for industries because it would create massive layoffs.
In their meeting, they agreed that they would urge the government to pursue gradual implementation of the new tariff increases.
PLN West Java distribution chairman Agus Pranoto welcomed such a meeting as it could give inputs to PLN and the government to improve electricity services.
According to data at PLN West Java, PLN still booked Rp 324.741 billion of uncollected electricity bills, comprising of Rp 156 billion defaulted by customers in Bandung, Rp 74.78 billion by customers in Cimahi, Rp 43.61 in Majalaya and Rp 50.34 billion in Sumedang. (*)