Fahrizal Syam, Makassar – Thousands of workers from various different trade unions in the South Sulawesi provincial capital of Makassar held a rally to commemorate Labour Day at the flyover on Jl. Urip Sumiharjo Makassar on Sunday May 1.

A number of different trade unions were present including, among others, the Confederation of the All-Indonesian Workers Union (KSPSI), the Indonesian Independent Trade Union (GSBMI), the Indonesian Transportation Trade Union Federation (FSPTI), the Indonesian Federated Trade Union of Struggle (FSPBI) and the National Trade Union Confederation (KSN).

The workers arrived on motorcycles and in cars and brought the flags of their respective trade unions along with a list of their demands on the government.

South Sulawesi KSPSI regional chairperson Basri Abbas said that the action would be a peaceful one to convey their demands to the government. “We call in the government to pay attention to the fate of workers, because there are still many companies that oppress workers”, he said.

Abbas also called on the government and companies to abolish contract labour systems and outsourcing that harm workers’ interests. “Abolish contract labour systems and outsourcing, along with giving workers a decent wage”, he said.

It was not just workers and their trade unions that took part, representatives from the Makassar and South Sulawesi Labour and Transmigration Office also joined the action.

[Translated by James Balowski for the Indoleft News Service. The original title of the report was Ribuan Buruh Gelar Aksi Unjuk Rasa di Fly Over Makassar.]

Source: http://makassar.tribunnews.com/2016/05/01/ribuan-buruh-gelar-aksi-unjuk-rasa-di-fly-over-makassar