KUCHING, MALAYSIA -- A reported 500 laid-off Sanmina-SCI workers assembled outside state legislative offices Nov. 21, petitioning for a better severance package.

According to press reports the workers, who marched along with their supporters, were initially barred by police from entering the compound, but several designated representatives were allowed to meet with the Industrial Development Minister Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, who later gave his full support to the protestors.

“I’m totally behind the workers,” Tengah reportedly told reporters. “My sympathy is with them. I am happy that they have taken legal action at the Labour Court.”

The workers' 19-point- list of grievances complained about Sanmina's short notice (seven days) and low severance pay, and called on the state government both to order Sanmina to fulfill certain legal obligations and pass new laws to prevent future sudden mass layoffs.