 | |
|
The drivers often work shifts of more than 12
hours a day. These long work hours lead to fatigue which causes road accidents.
In the last year, four drivers have died as a result of these unsafe conditions.
Workers are also demanding that Patra Niaga
pay them overtime in accordance with the law. Since 2007, the company has
refused to pay overtime to workers, despite the drivers working more than 40
hours a week.
Another problem the workers face is lack of
secure employment. Many of the workers are kept on short-term contracts. Some
of them have had their contracts extended 10 times. This is illegal in
Indonesia, where contract work is only allowed for short-term projects. The
drivers are therefore demanding permanent employment.
Ahead of the strike, the company has
threatened to bring in the military to replace striking workers. Meanwhile the
mainstream media is claiming the striking workers will cause fuel shortages.
But really, the blame for any shortages lies with Patra Niaga – the company has
left the workers with no other option but to take this action.
 |
| KPBI Union Sticker: 1 November 2016, Support the Tank Driver Strike Against PT Pertamina Patra Niaga |
