Budi Sugiharto/BI & GB, Surabaya – Around 15,000 workers from PT Maspion, an Indonesian electrical manufacturing company in Sidoarjo, Surabaya, East Java, have continued their strike action from Wednesday into Thursday demanding an increase in their meal and transport allowances.

On Wednesday, workers from Unit II walked out and moved onto Unit III, inviting workers to join them. Thousands of workers then approached Unit I and brought production to a complete standstill. Maspion has five Units but IV and V are located in another district.

They demanded an increase in living and transport allowances from Rp 3000 (US33c) to Rp 6000 (US66c). After meeting representatives of the workers, the company would only agree to an increase of Rp 300 (US3c). The protesters vowed to continue their action Thursday.

Thursday's all out strike action started at 7.30am local time. The massive gathering resulted in a major traffic jam in the already congested arterial ways leading to the Maspion factories. It was reported that up to four units from the Mobile Brigade and Police have been deployed to guard the factories.

While some workers did not come to work, thousands of others regathered. It appears they have reassessed their demands slightly and are now seeking an increase from Rp 2,000 to Rp 3,000 for food and from Rp 1,000 to Rp 2,000 for transportation.

Maspion currently employs around 30,000 workers at its five Units producing electrical goods for the domestic and regional markets.

Heri, a worker interviewed by Detik Wednesday, said the average worker earned Rp 288,000 (US$32.54) per month including overtime and other allowances.

Twenty representatives of the striking workers met with management Thursday although it is still unclear if the parties reached agreement or if the strike will continue into Friday.