Aulia Andri/Fitri & GB, Medan – Up to 30,000 employees of PT Perkebunan Nusantara (PTPN) II of North Sumatra went on strike Monday while some 2000 others held a lively demonstration at the North Sumatra Provincial Legislative Council demanding their employer implement a previously negotiated work agreement.

PTPN II is a state-owned plantation company overseeing plantations 27 plantations in two regencies and two mayoralties in North Sumatra. According to the leader of the Plantation Workers' Union (SP bun), Josem Ginting, there are at least 14 points in the work agreement which have not been implemented, notably social security measures, health services, transportation and housing.

The demonstrators flocked to the Council's square on Jl Imam Bonjol in Medan, the capital of North Sumatra at around 8am local time. Wearing white headbands emblazoned with "SP bun", the demonstrators assembled to enjoy the days activities which included orations and traditional folk art and performance displays.

They plan to rally for three days in a row and came well-prepared for the three days battle by bringing cooking utensils such as stoves, pans and sleeping mats. Most of the demonstrators come from Langkat regency, Deli Serdang regency, Medan mayoralty and Binjai mayoralty.

Around 50 security personnel were seen on guard in front of the Council chambers directing traffic which had become congested due to the overflow of demonstrators.