TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Federation of Indonesian Metal Workers Unions (FSPMI), today, conveyed three demands through demonstrations conducted online, in the commemoration of the International Labor Day or May Day.

The workers unios asked the discussions on the Omnibus Law to be stopped. FSPMI also demanded the stoppage of workers' layoffs, as an impact of COVID-19 pandemic mitigation. And they asked for workers to be allowed to be on paid leave with full holiday allowance (THR).

FSPMI Central Office Secretary-General Riden Hatam Aziz stated that the virtual protest this year has the theme of 'funds for food and health solidarity'. “On today's Labor Day, we do not hold demonstrations or actions in public places or in government buildings. We are taking our action to social media," said Riden.

Riden explained that FSPMI members are conveying the three demands through social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, as well as circulating it on WhatsApp group messages.

Specifically, members addressed WhatsApp messages to the leaders of the House of Representatives (DPR), including the Chief of the Legislative Body (Baleg), asking for the discontinuation of the Omnibus Law and to focus on handling the COVID-19 pandemic instead.

Riden evaluated the online protests to be effective, based on the FSPMI’s experiences last week as he said that: "Chief of the Legislative Body and members of the House responded as they wrote on their Twitter and Instagram [accounts] that the current largest online demonstration to be great,” said Riden.

The online demonstration in commemoration of the International Labor Day was started at 04:00, Jakarta time. FSPMI members also voiced their demands at 10:00 and 12:00.

Photos and videos related to workers' struggles will also be uploaded on the FSPMI’s official Facebook page ‘Suara FSPMI' as well as Twitter and Instagram accounts @fspmi_kspi, using the hashtags #TolakOmnibusLaw, #StopPHK and #LiburkanBuruhDenganUpahTHRPenuh.

ANTARA | Translator: DIO SUHENDA (Intern)