Garuda Asked to Work out Compromise Solution with Pilots

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Chief economic minister Hatta Rajasa has called on PT Garuda Indonesia’s management to find a mddle way in settling its dispute with its pilots so as to avoid a situation where the latter were forced to strike.

Speaking at the presidential office here on Wednesday, Hatta said he was ready to intervene in the dispute between the Garuda Pilot Association (APG) and PT Garuda’s management.

"It is the Garuda management that must come up with a compromise solution. I will talk with the Garuda management later," he said.

Hatta believed through good and intensive communications with the pilots the problem could be solved. If the two sides could see the bigger interest, he was sure PT Garuda and APG could find a solution.

The coordinating minister for economic affairs said if the pilots really carried out their plan to go on strike from July 28, 2011 until just before he post-fasting holiday, the state enterprises minister and the transportation minister must be ready to find a solution.

Garuda pilots have threatened to strike if their demand to be paid the same salaries as foreign pilots in the company’s employ is not met.