28 October, 2013Trade unions in Indonesia have announced a national strike on 31 October – 1 November. Workers demand a rise in minimum salary, implementation of health insurance and an end to outsourced precarious work.
Indonesian trade unions will strike to demand a 50 percent rise in the minimum salary, end to outsourced precarious work, and implementation of health insurance and introduction of laws to protect Indonesian domestic workers.
Said Iqbal, President of IndustriALL Global Union affiliate FSPMI and the Indonesian Trade Union Confederation (KSPI), confirms that three million workers in twenty Provinces (with three more Provinces to join) and 150 Districts/Cities (potentially 200) will join the national strike. The strike covers diverse industries and occupations, including outsourced teaching profession, factory, airport, port and transport workers.
“No matter what happens the national strike will proceed as planned. Employers are exploiting the millions of vulnerable workers with low wages, insecure employment contracts and lack of adequate health insurance,” says Said Iqbal.
IndustriALL Global Union supports the cause of the struggle. General Secretary Jyrki Raina says:
“Indonesia is an important part of our global organization. There must be an end to low wages and cheap labour. IndustriALL Global Union stands behind our members in their fight to stop exploitation.”