Jakarta – Police used tear gas, water canons and sticks to disperse 1,000 protesters who attempted to storm the House of Representatives building before legislators approved a new labor bill, Elshinta radio reported.

The rally turned ugly when the protesteers attempted to enter the building compound on Jl. Gatot Subroto, Central Jakarta about 2:15 p.m. Police officers chased the protesters, who later caused major traffic problems.

The House has just endorsed the long-awaited labor bill Tuesday after both employers and several workers' unions reached agreement on about 60 contentious issues.

However, several unions are opposed to the bill, saying it reduced workers' rights, and that the deliberation of the bill was not transparent.