Budi Sugiharto/FW & HY, Sidoarjo – Around 600 workers of PT Prima Aloi Steel, a company producing wheel rims, at Sidoarjo, East Java staged a peaceful rally at Sidorajo Municipality Legislative Council, Tuesday, asking the councillors to facilitate talks with their employer regarding annual leave and recreation funds.

According to the head of All-Indonesia Workers Union (SPSI) of PT Prima Aloi Steel, Syamsul Anan, the demonstrators have two demands. First, they demand recreation of Rp 12 million per year. Secondly, the workers demand two months annual leave for those who have been with the company for six years and three months for those who have worked twelve years.

In relation to the first demand, the company has only agreed to provide Rp 3 million per year and the second demand is still being negotiated.

This is the fourth time workers have voiced their demands, Syamsul said, the company had previously agreed to the first two demands of, Rp 100,000 child allowance and shoes for all workers. "There are two demands that have not been granted. Therefore, we ask the councillors to pay attention to our demands," deplored Syamsul.

Syamsul pointed out, that the demands were very significant. "The workers need 'refreshing' with their families and not be working all the time," said Syamsul adding that this was the fourth rally staged by the workers. However, it was the first time , they staged it at the council office.