By: Muhammad Zaki )*
The Omnibus law on the Job Creation Bill is no longer a polemic because the labor union finally agreed to it, albeit with several conditions. They finally realized that this bill was useful and would change the employment climate for the better. It is only one step away from the promulgation of it into law and the future of the workers is bright.
The inauguration of the Omnibus Law on the Job Creation Bill was still hampered by workers who repeatedly demonstrated to reject it. Even though Minister Mahfud MD once said that he accepted openly if a worker wanted to discuss this bill. The workers who are members of the labor unions feel that the Job Creation Bill is cilaka because they are afraid that their wages will decrease.
After a meeting between 16 labor unions and the DPR Legislative Committee Panja in a hotel, a common ground was found between workers and the government. Said Iqbal, chairman of the Confederation of Indonesian Trade Unions, stated that the union supports the Job Creation Bill because it makes investment easier. But the employment cluster was removed from there.
Even if the labor cluster cannot be excluded from the bill, then do not change the contents of Law Number 13 of 2003 concerning Manpower. The law states that workers get a decent income and the government establishes a wage policy. The workers say they cannot regulate the DPR but want their aspirations to be heard.
From the meeting between DPR members and representatives from 16 labor unions, there were several points of understanding. First, the employment cluster in the Omnibus Law of the Job Creation Bill is in accordance with the MK decision. Among them are the agreement regarding certain working hours, severance pay, wages, layoffs, and social security. The regulations regarding the duration of the employment contract will be revised.
The next point is that the Manpower Law No. 13/2003 has not been changed at all. also added regulations on part-time workers, MSMEs, and start-ups. Workers also want employment relationships that can adapt to industry. Their request also wants to be included in the list of investment issues to be discussed in the DPR baleg working committee meeting.
Many employees are afraid that if the contents of the bill remain like the initial draft, it will worsen the employment climate. For example, there is an article that regulates the city minimum wage which is replaced by the provincial minimum wage. This change in terms makes it appear that workers’ salaries are reduced. But it is not. The UMP also only applies to employees whose work period is less than a year.
The government also ensures that the Omnibus Law on the Employment Cluster Work Creation Bill does not only benefit employers, but also workers. So they don’t have to be afraid of bad luck. Because you will get a salary above the UMP, you can even get an annual bonus from the company. Workers’ rights to maternity leave, annual leave, and childbirth are also not cut off.
So it is hoped that the employees will no longer hold demonstrations to reject the Omnibus Law on the Job Creation Bill. Because there is already an understanding between the trade union and the DPR members. Better to wait for the inauguration of the bill into law because the government has promised to prosper workers. Also willing to listen to input from workers’ representatives and run democracy.
The Omnibus Law on the Job Creation Bill is unlikely to harm workers. If someone says that this bill takes away the rights of workers, then it is very wrong. Even though the rules for working days and hours will be changed to Monday to Saturday and a maximum of 40 hours a day, it will not make employees lose money. Because they still get a day off.
Let us support the Omnibus Law on the Job Creation Bill so that it is inaugurated soon, because it can change the situation in Indonesia. Investment will enter Indonesia so that the number of unemployed will decrease. They are also properly paid, at least UMP. Also still get the right to leave and an annual bonus.
)* The author is active in the Cikini Press and Student Circle