Okezone -
July 12, 2010
Rheza
Andhika Pamungkas, Jakarta – Around 80 workers from the Indonesian Labour
Movement Union (PPBI) held a demonstration today demanding the cancellation of
basic electricity rate (TDL) hikes that came into effect on July 1.
"Although
the TDL for people categorised as poor will not rise, poor people will still be
hit by the impact of these TDL hikes", said PPBI chairperson Ata B. Udi in
a speech at the Department of Labour and Transmigration in Jakarta on Monday
July 12.
According to
Udi, the electricity rate increase will result in cuts to employees' wages and
numbers. Udi said that some 15,000 workers have already been hit by dismissals
because the companies where they work have had to increase efficiency.
"In
addition to this, the TDL hike will also impact on other prices, such as basic
commodities, building materials, as well as transportation fares such as
electric trains", added Udi.
In addition
to the Labour Department, the protests also plan to hold a demonstration at the
Hotel Indonesia traffic circles and the State Palace. "We will be
conveying the same demands. If they are not heeded, we promise to bring more
demonstrators in coming days", threatened Udi. (ton)
[Translated
by James Balowski.]
