Detik.com
- May 1, 2009
Andi
Saputra, Jakarta – Hundreds of workers from the Federated Alliance of
Independent Trade Unions (FGSBM) held an action in which they marched backwards
towards the Department of Labour and Transmigration on Jl. Gatot Soebroto in
South Jakarta.
The
demonstrators arrived in waves from various areas around Jakarta. “Viva
workers, the workers united cannot be defeated,” shouted 32-year-old Siti from
atop the command bus on Friday May 1.
After
marching backwards, the demonstrators – all of whom had entered the parking
area in order to avoid causing a traffic jam – took turns in giving speeches.
A number of
large posters were brought along with demands such as “Reject outsourcing”, “Join
together with us” and the like. Scores of flags were also fluttered among the
sea of demonstrators. “This is all oppression”, added another speaker.
In addition
to this, they also called for the right to freedom of association and to
organise, the right to a reasonable wage and rejected cheap labour. “Oppose
mass dismissals!” shouted the protesters in unison at the urging of a speaker.
(asp/aan)
[Translated
by James Balowski.]
