Agnes S. Jayakarna, Surabaya – Laborers grouped under the Workers Alliance of Struggle (ABM) are demanding objectivity in the decision over the 2010 regional minimum wage (UMK), arguing many of their basic needs have always been neglected by the provincial payment council.

ABM East Java coordinator Jamaludin said Tuesday the alliance expected the provincial administration to thoroughly understand the real economic conditions of the workers, by conducting its own survey on the matter, before deciding on a figure for the UMK.

"Such a step is urgently needed, because the results of previous surveys conducted by the payment council have never reflected the real conditions of workers and their families," he said.

"The council has neglected many of our basic needs. The administration must not take this for granted."

The payment council for 2010 was established by the administration, and comprises administration officials, laborers and businesspeople. This year's council will conduct its first survey on Aug. 7.

A 2009 gubernatorial decree on the decision-making process for the 2010 minimum wage says the governor will use the results of the survey to decide on the provincial UMK.

Jamaludin called on workers to be careful and smart in guiding the survey along. He also expressed hope the payment council would do its job objectively, so the survey would reflect the real conditions of workers and their families.

He added the alliance would conduct its own independent survey on the matter, with the hope the results would be able to open the administration's eyes to the real conditions of workers.

The ABM will also train its members serving on the payment council, to help make them smarter surveyors.