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6 June, 2000Goon squads chase and threaten striking workers, most of whom are women.
INDONESIA: The SPMI metal union organising the workers on strike at the Sony plant in Cibutung, Bekasi (see website news item of May 30 or NewsBriefs No. 21) reports that, on June 5, 300 strikebreakers claiming to be from an NGO and wearing red and white headbands raided the strike area, tearing down tents and banners. The goon squad then chased the striking workers from outside the factory premises, warning them not to continue their strike and issuing threats. The majority of these striking workers are women.
The SPMI has lodged a police report, but so far no action has been taken either against the company or the so-called NGO. It was also said that 20 policemen are usually stationed around the factory site, but on June 5 all police personnel were withdrawn from the area.
Other reports have it that because of the strike the company has threatened to close down production in Indonesia and move to Malaysia. As is well-known, Malaysian electronics workers are not allowed to form or join industrial unions. Trade union leaders in Malaysia are supporting the Sony workers.
The SPMI has lodged a police report, but so far no action has been taken either against the company or the so-called NGO. It was also said that 20 policemen are usually stationed around the factory site, but on June 5 all police personnel were withdrawn from the area.
Other reports have it that because of the strike the company has threatened to close down production in Indonesia and move to Malaysia. As is well-known, Malaysian electronics workers are not allowed to form or join industrial unions. Trade union leaders in Malaysia are supporting the Sony workers.