Minister Of Manpower Appreciates Freeport Indonesia For Making A Joint Work Agreement With Workers Unions

Minister of Manpower Ida Fauziyah (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) received appreciation from the Minister of Manpower (Menaker) Ida Fauziyah.

Where, he appreciated the signing of a joint work agreement between PT Freeport Indonesia (PTFI) President Director Tony Wenas and three union heads/labor unions for the period 2024-2026.

They are the Chair of the All-Indonesian Workers Union (SPSI) Lukas Saleo, the All-Indonesian Labor Union (SBSI) Makmesser O Kafiar, and the Papuan Independent Workers Union (SPMP) Virgo H Solossa. Meanwhile, the signing was carried out in Bandung.

"I am also proud, happy, and highly appreciate PT Freeport Indonesia and the negotiating team that have completed this joint work agreement. I think this can be an example for other companies in building engagement between management and the union," said Ida quoting Antara.

Ida said that this momentum is a symbol that deliberation has been achieved with the principle of a win-win solution between employers and workers in building a climate of harmonious, mutually beneficial, and sustainable industrial relations.

He also reminded that the agreement that had been reached was to be immediately socialized and carried out together as well as possible.

PTFI President Director Tony Wenas appreciated the three unions who succeeded in completing the verification process and effective preparation of order.

He also appreciated the union and management negotiators who managed to reach a complete agreement on March 31, 2024, after negotiating for 35 days since starting on February 26, 2024 in Jakarta.

"The agreement on the 23rd joint work agreement in 2024-2026 which is valid from April 1, 2024, produces various positive things such as wage increases and increasing benefits for employees," said Tony.

Furthermore, Tony said the good agreement would also encourage the achievement of a common goal, namely that operations run smoothly, which has an impact on the sustainability of the company's business and the welfare of workers and their families, communities, nation and state.

"For the management of PTFI, the union is not only a partner, but is part of a family that must take care of each other and protect each other. Together on the journey of the Freeport Indonesia extended family," he said.

The signing of the 2024-2026 joint work agreement is the culmination of negotiations that since mid-2023 have started with the stage of verifying union membership to ensure the diversity of representations and the number of members of the negotiating teams.

Then, followed by meetings for the preparation of the rules and regulations of the negotiations as the basis for the next intense negotiation process to be carried out in the February-March 2024 period in Jakarta.

Broadly speaking, the agreed joint work agreement for 2024-2026 includes work terms, rights and obligations of both parties as well as a new wage and allowance scheme for Pratama workers.

"We also express our gratitude to the government for always providing support. Since July 2023, representatives of the Ministry of Manpower, the Manpower Office of Central Papua Province and Mimika Regency provide material briefing to all negotiating teams," said Tony.

Meanwhile, the General Chairperson of the SPSI Central Executive R Abdullah representing the three unions appreciated PTFI's management's commitment to periodically review the increase in wages and welfare facilities for its workers.

"Of course this will increase productivity, loyalty, and a conducive work atmosphere," he said.