Khaerul Ikhwan/Fitri & GB, Medan – Up to 500 workers and NGO members staged a rally in front of the North Sumatra Governor's office on Jl Diponegoro in the capital Medan, Thursday. They demanded a rise in the provincial minimum wage and that the Board established by the government to determine the wages be disbanded.

The protesters gathered at around 10am local time and the orations proceeded quite peacefully with demonstrators unfurling large posters. The posters read: 'Dissolve The Regional Wages Board', United Labors Unbeatable' and 'Establish New Payment Board.'

The action was supported by the Indonesian Prosperous Labour Union (SBSI), North Sumatra Labour Union (SBSU), Indonesian Independent Labour Union (SBII) and Independent Plantation Labourers' Association (Perbuni).

While, the workers' representatives met with the Governor's secretary those outside held lively orations demanding a rise in the regional minimum wage to Rp 743,000 per month.

The workers took particular exception to the Regional Wages Board which determined the level of minimum wages in the province because it is not representative. The orators Thursday said the members of the board were only drawn from a few organisations such as the Indonesian Entrepreneurs' Association, the Ministry of Manpower and the All Indonesia Labour Union (SPSI) – the only labour union permitted under the dictatorial regime of former president Suharto.

"This puts restrictions on democracy because labour unions are not only the SPSI which has tended not to side with labourers," said a demonstrator. The workers demanded the Board be reconstituted and their wages increase.

The demonstrators came in several buses. Most wore black and white headbands emblazoned with 'Perbuni'. This action was not the first. They held a similar rally last October at the North Sumatra Provincial Legislative Council and the Governor's office.