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The Sony conflict is over

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31 August, 2000Sony will reinstate all striking workers at its plant in Bekasi, Indonesia.

INDONESIA: On September 1, an agreement was signed between PT Sony Electronics Indonesia and the union PT Sony Employees' Union, which is affiliated to the Indonesian Metalworkers' Union (SPMI). A long conflict, which started on April 26 when about 1,000 workers went on strike, is over.
In July, the company announced its decision to fire 1,007 workers out of a total workforce of 1,300. However, at the end of July the International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF) succeeded in bringing the parties to the negotiating table.
The agreement says that the company will reinstate all the striking workers on September 16. It also offers to pay compensation to workers who do not wish to continue working for Sony. The company and the union have agreed to work towards improving their relationship.
The IMF's general secretary, Marcello Malentacchi, has described the settlement as "a great victory for international trade union solidarity," and thanks IMF affiliates for their support to the struggling Indonesian workers of Sony.
Read Malentacchi's column on his visit to Sony.