The STRIKE make us stronger. Updates on Workers’ Strike of PT. NBC Indonesia – Karawang (FSPK-KSN)

Around 130 workers of PT. NBC Indonesia located in the Industrial Area of KIIC Karawang held a strike since March 19 2012. Joined in the strike were all union members, triggered by the negative response of the management to continue the wage negotiation that was started on January 4, 2012. Besides, the decision to hold on strike has been triggered by the arrogance of the Corporate Leader, Koshi Watanabe.

The strike held for four days, started on March 19 to March 22, 2012. It was ended after the management of the company finally fulfilled workers’ demand. IT’s abvious that the management has no other choice after continous pressure from national as well as international networks. “ During the strike, the factory stopped their production. Letters of support and solidarity were sent and petition was published and gathered from international networks by KSN to the head office of NBC in Japan, “said Khamid Istakhori, Secretary-General of KSN.

As a result, on March 22, at 4. 50 pm, agreement was signed. The raise on wage based on the government stipulation and years-of-service appreciation (gratuity) has been on agreement. Besides, the agreement also underlined there will be no sanction in any forms as a ‘revenge’ on workers who joined in the strike and the company has committment to conduct negotiation on the wage raise based on the working performance on April 2012.

Ricky, the Secretary of NBC Workers Union (SP. NBC) stated that the Strike has made their position stronger. He also extended gratitute of all workers for any supports and solidarity from national as well as international networks.

According to the Central Board of KSN, the success of the strike was supported by some factors, among others are:

1. There are 130 workers joined in the Strike; and only 20 who refused to join. This gave main pressure to the factory.

2. Local Government gave pressure on the management since the Federation of People Union, West Java conducted rally to the District Leader Office.

3. International Petition gathered by Central Board of KSN has provided significant contribution especially to give pressure to the head office of NBC in Japan. We received information that the management of PT NBC Indonesia has been questioned by the Head Office of NBC Japan due to the petition they received from international networks and emails received by the owner of NBC in Japan related to the strike held by the workers in PT NBC Indonesia, Karawang.

4. Beside its importance in giving the winning point for workers in PT NBC Indonesia, International Support we gathered through the Petition has also become investment in the future to give warning to the the management not to conduct unfair labour practices if they want to maintain their prestiges in the eyes of their international customers.

The international support is also important to provide supports the plan of the Workers Union to conduct negotiation on the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) with the company.

In the name of all workers of PT NBC Indonesia and members of National Union Confederation, We would like to express and extend our gratitute for the supports we have received from international networks.

Khamid Istakhori

Secretary-General of DPP KSN