Indonesian workers protest against revision of labor law

Over 5,000 workers staged demonstration here on Tuesday, rejecting the government's plan to revise labor law, which they said will bring shortages to the workers.

Marching in the central of the city and terminating in front of the State Palace, the labors chanted yells demanding the government to cancel its plan to discuss the revision of the labor law, which will begin on April 12.

"The law will bring more benefit for the businessmen rather than workers," said a coordinator of the demonstration named only Redi.

The discussion of the revision would involve labor representatives and entrepreneurs.

The government has proposed revision of the 2003 Manpower Law aimed at luring investment and creating a more favorable business climate.

Under the revision draft, employers are freed from paying severance if they fire a worker with a monthly salary of over 1 million rupiah (111 U.S. dollars).

The draft met strong opposition from labor unions across the country.

Local media reported labor rallies also occurred in other major cities involving tens of thousands of workers.

Source: Xinhua