Labors Hold Protest Act At Monas, Demands 10 Percent Wage Increase

Labor demonstration demands a 10 percent wage increase in front of Monas/ Photo: Rizky Sulistio/ VOI

JAKARTA - The Association of Indonesian Workers' Unions (Aspect) invites dialogue with the government regarding the demand for an increase in the provincial minimum wage (UMP) which was posted during a demonstration to commemorate Heroes' Day.

"We are ready for dialogue anytime, anywhere but of course the dialogue must be equal, yes, not popular, not for socialization, no. In that dialogue we will propose the 2022 UMP is around 10 percent," said President of the Indonesian Aspect, Mirah Sumirat to reporters, Wednesday, November 10.

Mirah continued, workers also hope that the government will immediately set the UMP in 2022, unlike in 2021, where there is no UMP determination due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Because during the pandemic, said Mirah, labor workers were one of the most affected parties due to urgent economic demands.

"One time he (the worker) was at WFH or was laid off, he didn't get paid when he was sent home, there was (waged) but most of it was not paid. And many also incur additional costs such as the cost of their children's online school credit," she said.

Regarding her demands, Mirah explained that there were 4 demands submitted by the workers to the government, including increasing the UMK and UMP 2022 by 7 to 10 percent, applying sectoral minimum wages, namely 2021 and 2022 Sectoral Minimum Wage (UMSK), cancel the Job Creation Act, which will be ratified by the Constitutional Court (MK). Revoke the Employment Creation Act, especially the employment cluster and ratify the Employment Agreement Without the Omnibus Law.