Indonesian workers fight for back wages

INDONESIA: 1,300 workers from the IMF affiliate, Federasi Serikat Pekerja Metal Indonesia (FSPMI), are fighting PT Livatech to pay outstanding wages of four months salary and termination bonuses, as stipulated under Indonesian labour law. PT Livatech owner, Mr. Goh Sing Hing, has closed the factory located in Batam, Indonesia and moved to Malaysia. He is refusing to settle any outstanding balances with the workers. The International Metalworkers' Federation sent a letter of appeal to the Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Malaysian Prime Minister Mr. Abdulah Badawi, urging them to use their considerable influence to resolve the issue. "The IMF is deeply concerned for the welfare of the workers and their families, and asks that you urge Mr. Goh Sing Hing to settle all outstanding balances immediately and fairly," stated Marcello Malentacchi to the heads of state. The IMF has learned from the FSPMI that PT Livatech has used police and military forces to attack and intimidate workers rather than settle their debts. This is in direct conflict to a decision handed down by the Indonesian labour court ruling that workers receive the four months salary and bonuses. The FSPMI plans to continue fighting with scheduled demonstrations in front of the presidential palace in Jakarta this month.