Andi Saputra, Jakarta – Hundreds of workers from the Federated Alliance of Independent Trade Unions (FGSBM) held an action in which they marched backwards towards the Department of Labour and Transmigration on Jl. Gatot Soebroto in South Jakarta.

The demonstrators arrived in waves from various areas around Jakarta. “Viva workers, the workers united cannot be defeated,” shouted 32-year-old Siti from atop the command bus on Friday May 1.

After marching backwards, the demonstrators – all of whom had entered the parking area in order to avoid causing a traffic jam – took turns in giving speeches.

A number of large posters were brought along with demands such as “Reject outsourcing”, “Join together with us” and the like. Scores of flags were also fluttered among the sea of demonstrators. “This is all oppression”, added another speaker.

In addition to this, they also called for the right to freedom of association and to organise, the right to a reasonable wage and rejected cheap labour. “Oppose mass dismissals!” shouted the protesters in unison at the urging of a speaker. (asp/aan)

[Translated by James Balowski.]