Indonesia

Thousands of workers in Indonesia staged a massive protest on September 1 speaking out against widespread layoffs and rising inflation. Labor-intensive industries, including textiles and garments, have faced massive job cuts in recent weeks as overall economic growth slows to record lows. Union leaders say they are also pushing for a 22% increase in the minimum wage in Jakarta, a rate which employers groups say is “unrealistic.” (Reuters)
 
At least 36,000 jobs could be at risk as 100 textile and garment manufacturing facilities face closure amid shrinking domestic demand, according to the Indonesian Textile Association. The group says that the most vulnerable companies are small operations employing around 360 people each and who sell to the local market. Analysts say that over 7 million working age adults in Indonesia are already unemployed. (Jakarta Globe)