Surabaya – More than 10,000 workers gathered outside a large electronics and plastics factory in Surabaya, East Java, Thursday as their campaign for better working conditions entered its sixth day.

The protesters packed the road in front of the Maspion factory forcing the closure of the main route south of Surabaya leading to the industrial satellite town of Sidoarjo. Trucks of police and marines were seen in the area, but stayed on the sidelines, the witness said.

The protesters said they again planned to try to reach the governor in Surabaya to urge his to press the company for improved conditions.

At least 20 workers were injured Wednesday when soldiers and police fired warning shots and tear gas and mounted a baton charge to stop them entering the city, witnesses said. Five workers were arrested, the Media Indonesia daily said.

The protestors are demanding a pay raise, improved meal allowance, and bonuses and severance pay based on length of service. They also want the management to meet a promise to build a small mosque on the factory premises.

Maspion president Alim Markus has said it was difficult for the company to meet the demands because of the current economic crisis which had affected company sales.