"It is time labourers received attention and have a place in this country."Palu, Central Sulawesi (ANTARA News) - Hundreds of protesters rallying in Palu have demanded the government to declare May Day or the International Workers` Day, which is commemorated on May 1 every year, a holiday.
"It is time labourers received attention and have a place in this country," said Sunardi Katili, the rally`s coordinator, during his speech at the Central Sulawesi Regional House of Representatives building on Tuesday.
"The Central Sulawesi People`s Struggle Front also demands a five-day work week for workers, because there are still many companies that make their employees work more than eight hours a day and six days a week," he noted.
"Workers are human, too, who need to have rest and spend time with their families during the weekends," Sunardi said.
He also urged the government to bring labourer`s wage in line with the current prices of basic commodities.
"The determination of regional labour cost by the Regional Wage Board should be done through an independent party that safeguards the worker`s interests, not just the employers," Sunardi stated.
The protesters also demand that employers allow their employees to form worker unions in order to express their opinion to the company.
"The union does not intend to fight the capitalists but to make progress together," Sunardi said.
Central Sulawesi Struggle Front comprises organizations and nongovernmental organizations in the city of Palu.
(Uu.A050/INE/KR-BSR/F001)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
