Sunday, May 1, 2011

Women workers in Bandung demand right to breastfeed

Okezone.com - May 1, 2011
Iman Herdiana, Bandung – The West Java provincial government office in Bandung has again been the target of hundreds of workers with around 500 people from the Indonesian Trade Union Congress Alliance (KASBI) besieging the Gedung Sate building.

The protesters arrived at around 10am with most wearing red T-shirts. The demonstration was also marked by a theatrical action in which several workers were smeared with red ink to symbolise blood and their oppression by employers and the authorities.

Protesters also took turns in giving speeches including Enung Wiwin from KASBI Majalaya. "Women workers are the pillars of the country, it's time for women to be active and lead. The tap of freedom is open. Workers organisations must take care of their members. Don't be defeated by employers", said Wiwin in a speech.

According to Wiwin, the fate of workers, particularly women workers, depends on the factory environment and the strength of workers. "If women workers are consistent in demanding their rights, they are sure of being able to resist pressure", Wiwin told journalists.

Although Wiwin conceded that the conditions at her factory were relatively good, one important right has not been fulfilled, namely the right to breastfeed. "Almost none of the women workers have obtained the right to breastfeed. So for the whole eight hours of work, there is no time to breastfeed and no special room for breastfeeding", she said. (ful)

[Abridged translation by James Balowski.]