December 03, 2008

Indonesian port workers strike could cripple operations

It is reported that a nation wide strike by port workers could cripple operations at Indonesian ports from Tuesday onwards. Workers at Indonesia's state owned port operator have threatened to strike if the government passes a bill to end the operator's monopoly on running 112 ports across Indonesia.

Mr Sudjarwo chairman of Indonesian Port and Dredging Worker Union said that “We reject the government's bill to end PT Pelabuhan Indonesia's exclusive right to operate ports. The bill, if passed, will likely result in Pelindo workers losing their jobs.”

Mr Sudjarwo added that Pelindo workers at all 112 ports will go on strike if the bill is passed.

Indonesia's parliament will decide on the bill on Tuesday, which also reported demonstrations by port workers outside parliament last Friday to protest the bill. According to Indonesia's transportation ministry, the bill aims to make the ports industry more competitive.