The Distribution Of Working Hours Is Considered Beneficial For Workers

JAKARTA - The central COVID-19 Handling Acceleration Task Force issued a circular (SE) regarding the distribution of working hours. This is to anticipate the accumulation of passengers in various modes of public transportation. So, keep physical distancing or physical distancing going well to prevent the spread of this virus.

In the SE, the working hours of workers or employees in Jabodetabek are divided into two groups. The first group starts working at 07.00 WIB until 15.00 WIB, and the second group starts at 10.00 WIB-18.00 WIB. That way, the two groups both work 8 hours a day.

Public Policy Analysis Trubus Rahadiansyah assessed that this SE only benefits workers and harms employers. According to him, by implementing this rule, company spending is believed to increase.

"The objective is good, but from the entrepreneur's point of view, it will be tough. Moreover, the current condition of many businessmen may have struggled to keep their business afloat," Trubus told VOI, Monday, June 15.

The bloated expenses were in operational costs. He said, with this work pattern, operational costs would automatically increase. One of them is that electricity consumption in office buildings will increase.

For this reason, if the government wants entrepreneurs to implement this circular, there should be a policy that benefits both parties. One of them is by cutting or reducing electricity rates.

However, if that is not done, he is sure that many companies will go out of business. So, the target of restoring the country's economy that has fallen due to COVID-19 will be in vain.

"There must also be a policy for the company. In order not to be overwhelmed and the economy is likely to run normally," said Trubus.

On this occasion, he said, companies could not follow the rules. This is because this rule is not binding but is an appeal. There is no legal basis that obliges private companies to implement it.

"It is only a circular which has no legal basis because it is an appeal. The question is, will the private sector implement it? After all, there is no penalty, right?" Said Trubus.

So, if this appeal is really a permanent step to reduce the spread of COVID-19, it should be made into a mandatory government regulation.

However, in its implementation there must be policies that are beneficial to the company. So, later on, no party will play in these rules.

"The point is that there must be advantages on both sides. So far this circular has only been an appeal. Hence, to emphasize clear regulations should be made," said Trubus.