Darwin encourages peaceful solution for Freeport workers strike
Friday, September 16 2011 - 08:06 AM WIB
?The manpower problems at Freeport have wide dimensions and consequences across sectors. Therefore, we encourage all parties to solve these problems and continue to improve coordination in order to avoid greater problems in the future,? Darwin said Friday.
To help find solution for the workers? strike, the energy ministry has sent an energy ministry expert staff to observe and coordinate with related institutions to find a solution.
The Manpower Ministry is currently facilitating negotiation between workers and Freeport management. ?We are confident that the Manpower and Transmigration Minister will be able to resolve the workers issue at Freeport,? Darwin said.
Minister Darwin is scheduled to fly to Papua today to have first hand information of the problem. He said the strike causes potential loss of US$ 19 million per day, which ultimately will be resulting in a loss to the state of around US$ 6.7 million per day.
Workers of the Workers Union of PT Freeport Indonesia went ahead with their one-month long strike after negotiation between the union and the company?s board failed to reach a deal over pay raise. The strike began on September 15 and reportedly would last until October 15.
Virgo Salosa, the head of Freeport Workers Union, said earlier that around 8,000 Freeport workers take part in the strike. The strike did start as the management failed to offer solution acceptable to the workers. (godang/roffie)