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Unions unite to demand release of jailed Indonesian trade unionist Rio Wijaya

news Press Release 18 Dec 2019

The ITF, alongside Indonesian dockers federation FPPI and Rio’s union SP JICT, are calling on all affiliates and their members to help fight for Rio’s unconditional release by signing, supporting and sharing a LabourStart petition that launched today calling on Hutchison management at act and end the repression of trade unionist at their Jakarta terminal.

On 20 August 2019, Rio was brutally attacked by security guards at Jakarta International Container Terminal (JICT) and subsequently arrested and detained under false allegations of defaming and assaulting the security guards on 21 November 2019.

Rio’s union suspects that the assault and his later imprisonment is an explicit attempt by JICT management to intimidate Mr Wijaya for his work advocating for the safety of workers at the port.

The anti-union climate at JICT, the biggest container port operator in Indonesia, has caused unionists to fear for their rights and safety. Threats and intimidation targeting union activists at the terminal are serious and ongoing. 

Over the past 18 months, attacks on trade unionists have included the shooting of members’ cars, the mass sacking of 400 casual workers at the port, and the terminal’s appalling safety conditions that have resulted in the death of four workers since July 2016.

Enough is enough! Join us in demanding that Hutchison Ports set the record straight and facilitate the immediate release of Rio Wijaya and that all charges levelled against him are dropped.

Help us support Brother Rio by taking the following actions:

  1. Sign, support and share Rio’s LabourStart campaign
  2. Take a solidarity photo with one of these downloadable signs and post to your social media channels with the hashtags #FreeRioWijaya #WeAreITF and/or send to commslondon@itf.org.uk.

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