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Activists rally in Medan, others spend May Day donating blood, food
Labor unions in Medan, North Sumatra, have marked May Day with various activities. While some took to the streets to demand salary increases on Monday, other labor activists arranged blood and food donation events.
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Graffiti is seen on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta after a rally on International Workers Day, also known as May Day, on May 1, 2013. (JP/Jerry Adiguna)
Labor unions in Medan, North Sumatra, have marked May Day with various activities. While some took to the streets to demand salary increases on Monday, other labor activists arranged blood and food donation events.
Workers organized under Geram-SU held a rally at Bundaran Majestik, Jl. Gatot Subroto, Medan to voice major concerns of workers across the country, namely what they see as low wages and poor living conditions.
Mukhlis, a representative from Geram-SU, said employers were neglecting the rights of workers.
"We have to unite in fighting corporations and officials who want to violate workers' rights for their own interests," Mukhlis said on Monday.
In contrast to Geram-SU, the Association of Indonesian Workers Union (GAPBSI) celebrated May Day with social activities, such as groceries and blood donations. The event, which was conducted at the youth center on Jl. Sutomo Ujung Medan, was attended by Medan Mayor Dzulmi Edin.
A GAPBSI member and the coordinator of the event, Usaha Tarigan, said social activities did not diminish the workers' core struggle to voice their aspirations on May Day. (wit)
