IFJ Condemns Indonesian Publisher’s Attacks on Unions

Media Release: Indonesia
April 16, 2012

IFJ Condemns Indonesian Publisher’s Attacks on Unions

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its partner the Federasi Serikat Pekerja Media Indonesia [Independent Media Workers Union Federation] (FSPMI) in condemning the targeted sacking of union activists by one of Indonesia’s largest media publishers.

The IFJ condemns the unilateral decision by the management of PT Indonesia Finanindo Media, publisher of Indonesia Finance Today (IFT), to dismiss 13 of its employees on Monday April 2, 2012.

It is alleged that IFT's union organizers and members were specifically targeted for dismissal following the presenting of staff demands to the company.

Staff demands included the return of salary reductions carried out in February 2012, the payment of all outstanding workers’ social security benefits which had been unpaid for over one year and the paying of 2011’s medical allowance arrears.

Prior to the announcement of the dismissals, the management of PT Indonesia Finanindo Media is alleged to have intimidated IFT's workers to pressure them to leave the union.

Such action is a clear breach of Article 28 of Indonesia’s Law on Workers' Unions, which guarantees all staff the right to exercise their freedom to join or organize within a workers’ union, free from intimidation or dismissal. Article 5, Section 1 of the act also provides general legal protection for workers who choose to join or organize a union. Employers found in breach of these laws may be liable for penalties of up to five years imprisonment or a fine of 500 million Indonesia Rupiah (approximately USD 55,000).

The IFJ joins the FSPMI in:

1. Condemning the unilateral action of PT Indonesia Finanindo Media in intimidating and dismissing members and organizers of IFT's workers' union. The IFJ considers such actions a direct attempt to undermine the workers' union, and as such is a direct breeach of Indonesia’s Law on Workers' Unions.
2. Urging the Indonesia’s monitoring board of manpower to initiate charges against the management of PT Indonesia Finanindo Media for breaching the Law on Workers' Unions.
3. Urging the management of PT Indonesia Finanindo Media to revoke the decision to unilaterally dismiss members and organizers of IFT's workers' union, and cease its intimidation of members and organizers of IFT's workers' union.
4. Supporting members and organizers of IFT's workers' union in challenging various inequitable policies issued by PT Indonesia Finanindo Media following the unilateral dismissals.

The IFJ represents more than 600,000 journalists in 131 countries

Find the IFJ on Twitter: @ifjasiapacific

Find the IFJ on Facebook: www.facebook.com/IFJAsiaPacific

ENDS

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