Thousands of workers in a number of cities took to the streets Monday in opposition to a proposed amendment to the 2003 Labor Law.

In Semarang, Central Java, approximately 3,000 workers protested at the provincial council building, saying the amendment was unfair to employees. The protesters were critical of several of the proposed new articles, including one that would cut severance pay for dismissed workers.

"I condemn the government for saying the revisions are intended to attract foreign investors. Sacrificing workers is not right. Investors don't want to invest here because of complicated bureaucratic procedures and rampant corruption. Don't blame the workers," said protest coordinator Aris.

In Pasuruan, East Java, about 2,000 workers gathered to condemn the proposed amendment.

A presidential instruction was issued Feb. 27, urging the Labor Law be revised to stimulate the job market. Some of the more contentious proposed amendments include opening more jobs to expatriates, cutting the amount of severance pay for fired employees and easing the procedures for laying off workers.