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Strike at Freeport-McMoRan continues in Indonesia

8 December, 2011The strike against US-based Freeport-McMoRan by the ICEM-affiliated PT Freeport Workers' Union runs into its 11th week. The union plans another notice to extend the strike to January 15, 2012.

INDONESIA: 10,000 mineworkers have blocked all production from Freeport-McMoRan's Grasberg mines in Indonesia, the world's largest recoverable gold and copper deposits, since September 15.

The union is seeking uniform wage increases for all workers, with a goal of US$7.50 per hour for non-staff workers in the second year. Workers earned a wage of between US$2.13 per hour and US$3.54 at the start of the strike.

The striking workers experience harsh conditions. The union supplies them and their families from five mass kitchens in the rural areas of Papua Province, and also offer hardship help in the form of humanitarian assistance to families.

IMF has extended financial support to the strikers. The ICEM has called trade unions to assist the union in feeding striking families, see November 10 ICEM letter.

See the latest ICEM report here.