In the latest negotiation with SPSI, the management increased its first-year wage offer to 35% from 30%, while offering 11% in 2012. It also requested the union to clear the blockades that have been set up. The union refused.
The union is demanding a pay raise up to US$4 per hour. This is lower than their initial demand, US$ 7.5 dollars per hour. In comparison, workers at the Freeport mine in Chino Mines, New Mexico receive between US$11.90 to $15.10 per hour.
As many as 11,000 workers are estimated to be taking part in the stoppage, which Juli Parorrongan says was intended to last a month but will continue until demands of an increase from a minimum hourly wage of two US dollars are met. He also says that the working conditions at the Grasberg mine are probably the most dangerous in the world and that the workers are also at risk of being shot by Indonesian soldiers.
The two months’ struggle by Freeport workers has been summarised in this short video.
Updated information to make donations to the striking workers here.
In the latest negotiation with SPSI, the management increased its first-year wage offer to 35% from 30%, while offering 11% in 2012. It also requested the union to clear the blockades that have been set up. The union refused.
The union is demanding a pay raise up to US$4 per hour. This is lower than their initial demand, US$ 7.5 dollars per hour. In comparison, workers at the Freeport mine in Chino Mines, New Mexico receive between US$11.90 to $15.10 per hour.
As many as 11,000 workers are estimated to be taking part in the stoppage, which Juli Parorrongan says was intended to last a month but will continue until demands of an increase from a minimum hourly wage of two US dollars are met. He also says that the working conditions at the Grasberg mine are probably the most dangerous in the world and that the workers are also at risk of being shot by Indonesian soldiers.
The two months’ struggle by Freeport workers has been summarised in this short video.
Updated information to make donations to the striking workers here.
