MMI Ahyani/BI & GB, Bandung – Rather than receive the end of the year bonus enjoyed by millions of others, workers from the PT Warna Indah Samajaya (WIS) textile factory have been threatened with dismissal, apparently for forming a union. In protest, the workers arrived at the West Java Provincial Legislative Council Monday.
Most factory workers have shown their solidarity by protesting against their employer. They were recently informed that they may not be needed in future. PT WIS has cited efficiency as the reason to dismiss workers.
However, the workers believe that the real reason behind the threat is their attempt to form a branch of the Independent Workers' Union Federation (FBSI) within the company. "Out of 300 workers, 190 have shown their willingness to form a Workers' Union," said FBSI Executive President, Ajang Wahyudin.
However, much to their disappointment, the management of PT WIS has opposed the move. As a result, the newly established FBSI has had to use a member's house as its office.
PT WIS argued that the All Indonesia Workers' Unions (SPSI) currently in place is sufficient to represent workers' interests. The SPSI was the only workers' union allowed under the former dictatorial regime of disgraced former president Suharto and continues to exist after his downfall.
In a bid to further demoralise the workers, three workers who were appointed to the FBSI branch board were sacked by the company. It is believed that the dismissal of FPSI General Chairman Jhoni Jauhari, Deputy Chairman Eden Iman and secretary Mahdar were at the official request of the Department of Human Resources in the provincial capital Bandung.
Another fifty workers' future is also hanging I the balance after they voiced their objections to the dismissals. "Their [PT WIS] reason for our dismissal is efficiency. However, the company are in need of workers. It's impossible for one person to keep an eye on two or three machines. There is a rumor that at the end of the Islamic celebrations, they will bring in new employees," said one of the women at the protest.
The workers have taken their complaints to Commission E of the West Java Provincial Legislative Council. However, representatives have yet to be received by Council members.