Indonesian labour leader, Muchtar Pakpahan, in Montreal
Indonesian labour leader Muchtar Pakpahan will be in Montreal on Friday May 7, 1999 to meet with his many supporters who participated in the international campaign for his release from prison and the official recognition of his union.
Montreal, May 5, 1999 Indonesian labour leader Muchtar Pakpahan will be in Montreal on Friday May 7, 1999 to meet with his many supporters who participated in the international campaign for his release from prison and the official recognition of his union.
Pakpahan was serving a four-year sentence and facing death penalty under the country's anti-subversion laws, when he was released from jail on May 25, 1998, in the wake of President Suharto's resignation. His union the SBSI (Indonesian Prosperous Workers Union), the largest independant labour organization is now allied with the new Labour Party of Tohap Simanungkalit who is hoping to wrest power from President B.J . Habibie in the elections scheduled for June 7.
Friday morning, Pakpahan will meet workers at the Pratt and Whitney plant in Longueuil, many of whom signed post cards demanding his release. He will be available to answer reporters' question at the union's offices in Longueuil.
In the afternoon, Pakpahan will be at the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development to meet journalists, union representatives and human rights groups to discuss, the plight of workers, the future of East Timor and the economic situation in Indonesia.
Press event at 11 : 15 at the offices of Local 510 of the Canadian Auto Workers, 601, Adoncour St., Suite 102, Longueuil.
Meeting at the International Centre for Human Rights and Democratic Development at 2 pm, 63, rue de Br?soles, lst floor, Montreal.
For More Information
Patricia Poirier, Director of communications, ICHRDD Tel : (514) 283-6073 Fax: (514) 283-3792
