Walhi criticizes action of rejecting labor union in Newmont

The branch office of the Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi) in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) has criticized all actions to reject the presence of the All Indonesian Labor Union (SBSI) in copper and gold mining operator PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara, Tempo Interaktif reported on Friday.

Bambang Mei Finarwanto and Ahmad Junaidi, the executives of the forum in the province, said on Thursday that they regretted the rejection of SBSI, which would provide advocacy to the workers of the mining operator against unfair treatment.

"The rejection was organized by some parties in order to shift the people attention from injustice, discrimination and condemnation of the people's properties," Bambang said.

A group of Newmont workers staged protests early this week opposing the presence of SBSI in the company. The workers said that the presence of the labor union should be rejected to prevent the union from spreading ill idealism in the company.

The local labor office also opposed the organization's present and accused it of entering Newmont without proper permit.

SBSI executive accused Newmont executives was behind the opposition of its presence. "Newmont should be fair. If it opposes our presence, come and talk with us. Don't use such arrogant practice, said Nanik Dwi Surahmi of the labor union.

Newmont executives were, however, not available for comments. (*)