Wisnu Aji Dewabrata, Palembang – A International Labour Day demonstration in Palembang, South Sumatra on Friday May 1 took place without the presence of workers.

Depok – In the lead up to the commemoration of International Labour Day or May Day, the Workers Challenge Alliance (ABM) and the Greater Jakarta Railway Workers Trade Union (SPKAJ) are planning massive actions in Jakarta on May 1.

Ari Saputra, Jakarta – Around 40 workers from the Workers Challenge Alliance (ABM) held a demonstration on April 24 calling on the political elite – who are in middle of fighting over the presidency and vice presidency – to pay more attention to the people.

The 2009 legislative elections – which are now only 20 days away – are being opposed by labour groups made up of an alliance of organisations that reject the elections because they are part the lies being perpetrated against the public as voters.

Jakarta – On Saturday afternoon, hundreds of workers from trade unions in Jakarta and the satellite cities of Bogor, Depok, Tangerang and Bekasi (Jabodetabek), held a protest action opposing the 2009 elections saying that it will not benefit the ordinary people.

1st Man (holding letter of dismissal): How come making ends meet is getting harder and harder?

2nd Man: That’s the difference between the people and the people’s representatives

Jakarta – The increasing use of contract labour is undermining the strength of national trade unions and making it difficult for workers to struggle for decent working conditions.

Nurseffi Dwi Wahyuni, Jakarta – As many as 500,000 casual, contract and permanent workers will loose their jobs if no orders come in to ensure industrial activity continues.

Palembang – The impact of the global crisis continues to claim victims around the country as more workers are laid off. In South Sumatra for example, between mid 2008 and early 2009 as many as 2,000 workers have been sent home (temporarily laid off) or dismissed.

Nieke Indrietta/Dianing Sari, Jakarta – Workers employed in four industrial sectors are still threatened with mass dismissals this year as a result of the global financial crisis, namely the timber, electronic, garment and footwear industries.